KANU SEALS DEAL
Kanu released a statement in response to growing press speculation that a problem with visas that prevented his family from visiting would cut his Gunners career short.
The tall striker said: ""I am delighted to have a new deal with Arsenal. There has been much speculation regarding my salary breaking the club`s wage structure but this is untrue. My new contract is consistent with Arsenal`s current wage policy.
"Since I arrived in January the club and the fans have been great to me and I want to repay their kind support by adding more silverware to the Arsenal trophy cabinet."
The Gunners took a risk on the 23-year-old Nigerian despite a problem with his heart that had required an operation.
Kanu, Arsenal`s leading scorer with 10 goals this season, played just a handful of games for his former club Inter through ill health and was forced to take a significant pay-cut in order to relaunch his career in England.
However with rumours that the pay-rise has shattered the Highbury wage structure Kanu will become one of the best paid players in Arsenal`s history.
The announcement follows a month of frantic transfer speculation involving several of Arsenal`s foreign legion- including Emmanuel Petit and Dutchmen Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp.
Wenger has spoken scarcely on the problems that have afflicted his ageing side and with the news that one of the world`s leading African players will remain at the club may be tempted to create an Arsenal side for the 21st Century around him.
