Arsenal hand out new deal to Mikel Arteta's "tremendous asset" despite injury issues

Takehiro Tomiyasu says it is a “dream” to sign a new contract - and immediately set his sights on winning trophies with Arsenal.

Japan defender Tomiyasu, 25, has put pen to paper on a new deal until 2026 with the option of a further year and he says he will dedicate himself to winning for the supporters. Tomiyasu said: “I want to achieve something. I want to win something with my team-mates, with the supporters.

“To be honest, I'm not young anymore. If you’re playing at Arsenal, we’ve got a lot of young players. I'm getting older, but, as I said, I want to achieve something in Arsenal and with our supporters. I'm so happy to extend my contract because Arsenal is one of the best clubs in the world. And it’s a dream to play for this club, so I'm happy.

“We improved a lot, because when I joined Arsenal, we were not playing in European competitions. But now we are playing in the Champions League and we are in the title race. We improved a lot. I'm playing for Arsenal and this means I'm playing for Arsenal’s supporters.

"So that's why I dedicate my life for this club, and for the supporters. I want to give them something back. It’s a dream to play for this club. The connection between the players and the supporters is a different level. That’s what makes it more special.”

“Hopefully, I got better than before. But you know, I'm still learning a lot of things from Mikel, from my team-mates. I still have capacity to improve. So I will try to be a better player and also a better person as well.”

Tomiyasu has endured a difficult campaign despite Arsenal's success, with the Japan international having his season heavily disrupted by a calf injury. He returned to take a place on the bench for the Europa League win over Porto last Thursday,