LJUNGBERG SIGNS NEW DEAL

The 24-year-old midfielder had just one year left on his current deal at Highbury and had been linked with a switch to Italian outfit Fiorentina last season.

However, Ljungberg has now pledged his future to The Gunners by signing the new long-term deal.

"I am really happy. I had one year left on my contract and I have settled well in London so I wanted an extension," said Ljungberg.

"You realise that the club believes in you when they offer you this kind of contract.

"I don't want to talk about any sums but I am really pleased it has been sorted out.

"We [Arsenal] are meeting up today after our summer break. I have had a good holiday and spent some time in Sweden with my family and then went to Greece.

"I am looking forward to the new season and I think we have made some good signings. Everyone involved with the club is making an effort and I didn't hesitate to sign a new contract."

Ljungberg, who joined Arsenal from Halmstad in 1998, now thinks that the North London club can challenge for the Premiership crown.

"Now we are going to beat United to the Premiership title."