Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is delighted to have signed a new contract.

The Japan defender has penned a contract for an undisclosed length.

Tomiyasu told the club's website: "I am so happy to extend my contract because Arsenal is the best club in the world. It's a dream to play for this club, so I'm happy.

“When I'm on the pitch I feel the love and energy from the supporters. We are connected a lot so I want to give them something back. I am playing for Arsenal, and this means I'm playing for the Arsenal supporters. That's why I dedicate my life to this club and the supporters.

“I want to give them something back. The connection between players and supporters is a different level and that makes it more special."

On how he has improved with the Gunners, he also said: “I think we have improved a lot because when I joined, we were not playing in a European competition but now we are playing in the Champions League and we are in the title race. Hopefully I am better than before! I am still learning a lot of things from Mikel and my teammates. I still have the capacity to improve so I will try to be a better player and also a better person as well.

“We've got so many great players. I'm playing as a full-back at Arsenal but when I'm playing with the national team I am playing at centre-half so I am learning from the Arsenal defenders. They're so good, there's a big competition between the players but it's a good environment to be a better player so I'm happy to be here.

“I am not young any more! When you're playing at Arsenal we've got a lot of young players and I'm getting older! I want to achieve something with my teammates and the supporters."