Arsenal Football Club is pleased to announce that defender Hector Bellerin has signed a new long-term contract.

The 18-year-old right back has impressed since his arrival from Barcelona in 2011, with the skilful Spaniard playing 52 times and scoring five goals for Arsenal youth sides to date.

Having begun his career as a midfielder, Hector has dropped into a full-back role since joining the Gunners. His pace and attacking flair remain a strong part of his game, with a stellar performance in the NextGen fixture last term against CSKA Moscow one of many highlights. The young defender’s consistency earned him call-ups for the first team last season - he was named in Arsène Wenger’s squads for the Capital One Cup matches against Reading and Coventry City.

Hector earned his first international call-up for Spain Under-17s in March 2012, and is currently on duty with the Spain under-19 side, competing in the 2013 European Under-19 Football Championship in Lithuania.

Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to Hector’s continued development and contribution to the Club.