Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis says there's major planning behind the raft of new contract announcements for their young players this season.

The likes of Jack Wilshere, Alex Song and several youngsters have all signed new deals in recent weeks.

Gazidis said: "We are building players who have a real connection with the club and the fans. They are growing up as a group and when success comes, when that trophy comes, it will mean something to our fans and it will mean something very special to that group of players."

It's why Arsenal have not invested huge amounts in the transfer market, but have quietly sealed most of their players on long-term contracts.

"We are pretty satisfied with the group of players we are securing long-term - they have a big future," Gazidis added. "We've got a very young team. On average we are four years younger than our rivals.

"We look at how this young group is developing and we are very excited about what the next four or five years could hold.

"There has been a succession of announcements this year about players signing long-term contracts. Almost a full first-team have signed up now. "