Arsenal duo Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson signed new "long-term contracts" with the club yesterday.

Denmark striker Bendtner, 21, and Brazilian midfielder Denilson, 21, have been rewarded for their impressive progress at the Premier League club over the last year.

Bendtner scored 15 goals in 50 appearances last season and has become a first-team regular this term following Togo forward Emmanuel Adebayor's departure to Manchester City.

"Nicklas has impressed me highly with his application and determination over the last season, you can see that he wants to compete at the highest level and win things with his team-mates," Wenger said.

"He scored a number of important goals for us last season and he will look to replicate that again this year. However, it's not just about the goals, his all round contribution has improved."

Denilson, who joined the Gunners from Sao Paulo in 2006, established himself as a regular in Wenger's midfield last season, making more appearances than any other Arsenal player during the campaign.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Ashley Cole signed a new four-year contract with the club.

Cole is the second Chelsea star to commit his future to Carlo Ancelotti's team recently after captain John Terry put pen to paper on an improved five-year deal.

England star Cole joined the Blues in a controversial move from London rivals Arsenal in 2006 and remains arguably the best full-back in the Premier League.

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