Santi Cazorla looks set to join Tomas Rosicky and Per Mertesacker in signing a new deal at Arsenal in a surprise, but very welcome move by the club.

The Spaniard, who joined from Malaga in the summer of 2012, was the Gunners standout performer last season and looks set to be rewarded for his important contribution with a new and improved contract thought to be worth around £80,000 a week.

Given the deal renewals handed out to the young British core, the lengthening of Szczesny’s contract and the contracts given to the players signed in the last couple of seasons Arsenal appear to be well on top of keeping their biggest stars for the foreseable future.

Obviously there are still some outstanding issues. Bacary Sagna’s remains a sticking point, while the likes of Lukasz Fabianski and Nicklas Bendtner are certain to leave. The only other issue is the boss’ own contract, which appears to be signed but not yet announced.