Vermaelen's contract was due to expire in the summer of 2013 and the Belgian defender pledged his future to the Premier League club, which has seen influential playmakers Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri depart this summer. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says “Thomas is a special player, who has always made a huge contribution on the pitch.” The north London club didn't disclose the length of Vermaelen's new deal. After a superb first year at Arsenal following his move to the Emirates from Ajax in 2009, Vermaelen missed most of last season through injury. He is currently out of action with an ankle injury.