Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says securing their players to new contracts was a priority this summer.

Arsenal have announced last season's leading scorer Robin van Persie has agreed a new long-term contract, reported to be worth around £80,000 a week.

Youngsters Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs have all been tied up on new deals this summer.

Gazidis commented: "Sometimes, understandably, the public focus is on new signings, but, especially as the football world becomes more and more competitive for the best talent, re-signing a current member of the squad is as important as - actually, usually more important than - making a new signing.

"This is another indication that we are focused on keeping our best talent here and are building a strong foundation for the long-term success of the club."

The Arsenal chief executive added: "We are laser focused on next season.

"Our young players have some very valuable high-level experience under their belts and will be one year older and better, mentally and physically.

"They will learn the lessons from last season and will be better players next year as a result.

"They are ready for the challenge, believe me.

"There are plenty of reasons to look forward to next season with optimism."