Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny signed a new long-term deal, the North London club confirmed.
Koscielny was expected to agree to a new contract, as Arsenal were keen to reward him for his excellent performances last season, where he built a formidable central-defensive partnership with Thomas Vermaelen, who also signed a new deal at the end of last year.
"Laurent has been outstanding for us over the last two seasons," manager Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.
"When you consider that until 2009 he was playing in Ligue 2 in France and that he is now performing at the very top level in the Premier League and for his country, the development that he has shown has been absolutely exceptional.
"Laurent is a top-class player and I am very pleased he has decided to commit his future to the club."
The French international joined Arsenal from Lorient in 2010, and after struggling in the first season, has established himself as one of the best defenders in the English Premier League. His form for the Gunners last season, earned him a call-up to the France team for Euro 2012, where he started the game against Spain in the quarterfinals.
"I'm delighted to have reached agreement with the club. I have had a fantastic time here and look forward to an exciting future with Arsenal," the 26-year-old said.
Meanwhile, Besiktas have denied their interest in Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh. The Moroccan has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, and was expected to leave the club this summer.
"We're not attempting to sign Marouane Chamakh," the Turkish club's coach, Samet Ayaba, said.
Besiktas were reported to be lining up an initial loan move with a view to a permanent £4 million ($6.2 million) transfer. However with Robin Van Persie expressing his desire to leave, and Nicklas Bendtner reportedly close to agreeing a deal with AC Milan or Galatasaray, Chamakh might just find himself staying at the club. And the Moroccan admitted Van Persie's imminent departure might help his cause to succeed at Arsenal.
"If I am staying here with Arsenal, I will do my best for the team and give the maximum," the 28-year-old said. "Last season was difficult. We were playing with just one striker (Van Persie) and that striker was the best player in Europe. There was not a lot I could do.
"I was upset because I thought I could have played more but football is like that. Sometimes you do not have a chance.
"I hope this season I will play more than last. I have not spoken with the manager but I will soon."
Chamakh admitted to lacking confidence, but insisted the only way to regain it was to get more game time. "In the first six months after signing I had lots of games but after that I only played a few," he said. "Now I hope this season will be good for me and the club.
"Yes, I need more confidence. But to be confident I need to play more. I am determined to stay."
It remains to be seen how much time the Moroccan will get, with Arsenal already signing the likes of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud.
