Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has signed a long term contract, the club has confirmed on Tuesday. 

Congratulations @_nachomonreal on signing a new long-term contract at @Arsenal! Full story: https://t.co/jVnfpTtqkm pic.twitter.com/Erfq13AziY

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 19, 2016

The 29-year-old has made over 80 league appearances for the Gunners since joining the club in 2013, winning back-to-back FA Cups over the past two seasons. 

Initially he struggled to make a strong impact at his new club, and was largely seen as a back-up option for Kieran Gibbs. 

However, he has shown significant improvement over the past two seasons, and has become a key player in Arsene Wenger’s back-line this campaign. 

The Spaniard has featured in all 22 of Arsenal’s Premier League matches so far in 2015/16, helping the team keep 10 clean sheets along the way.

His assured presence at the back has seen him overcoming competition from Gibbs to snatch his spot as first-choice left-back at the club. 

By agreeing fresh terms at Arsenal, Monreal has also closed all doors of returning to his former club Athletic Bilbao, who were set to move for the Spaniard.