Fabregas commits to Arsenal

Made history
The 17-year-old Spaniard rose through the ranks at FC Barcelona before moving on to Arsenal in September 2003. Three months later he became the club's youngest-ever goalscorer when finding the net at the age of 16 years and 212 days in the 5-1 League Cup win against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. Cesc did not appear in the Premiership as the Gunners won it last season, but has featured in all five games this season, scoring once against Blackburn Rovers FC.

'Like a dream'
"I'm delighted to be pledging my long-term future to Arsenal," Fabregas told the club's website. "My first year here has been like a dream - I never thought I would have the opportunity to play in the first team so early on. But I've worked hard and will continue to do so, learning from the best players around. I'm very excited about my future here."

'Real vision'
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said: "Cesc has shown great maturity since he joined and has adapted well to the pace of the English game. He is a playmaker, someone with real vision and he has all the ingredients to be a big player for us. We have a young team with good experience and Cesc is very much a part of the future of the club."

Lupoli contract
Arsenal have also handed a first professional contract to Italian forward Arturo Lupoli. The 17-year-old joined the club on a scholarship contract from Serie A side Parma FC this summer and has made a bright start, impressing with three goals in two outings for the reserve side.