ARSENAL continue to dazzle on the pitch — but their work behind the scenes is equally as impressive.
Gunners chiefs have handed fresh contracts to a number of stars and SunSport can reveal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu’s new deal is signed and sealed.
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The 25-year-old Japanese star, who is currently out injured, will double his wages to about £100,000 a week.
It is not unusual for clubs to hold fire on an announcement while a player remains out of action.
But once he is back, which could be any day now, the new deal will be announced.
Ben White, 26, is another player who is extremely close to signing a new deal — and that could be sorted this month.
Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have also penned fresh terms since last May.
Gabriel Martinelli did the same 13 months ago, too.
For that, you have to give credit to the club’s strategy, led by sporting director Edu.
In recognition of a player’s good form, the club now get on the front foot and approach the agent about a new deal.
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In the past, it was often agents who were calling the shots.
And you only have to look at the huge deals given to Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which ended up as bad business.
Manager Mikel Arteta is a huge believer in the ‘no d***heads rule’ and as a result, Arsenal’s dressing room is — unlike the past — extremely settled and harmonious.
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