Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has finally signed on the dotted line, agreeing a new four-year deal which will see his wages jump from £90,000-a-week to an eye-watering £140,000-a-week. 

Joining the 26-year-old attacker is the charismatic Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla who has signed a two-year extension, which will now end any speculation over his future, the creative midfield player has repetitively been linked with a move back to La Liga this summer. 

Arséne Wenger was clearly ecstatic with these deals, stating that "both are top quality" and are "hugely influential" to the side.

How important is Walcott to Arsenal?

The answer is very important, opinions may have started to wane with the arrival of Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, but with Walcott showing his quality upon returning from injury last term, this season will be his most important yet. 

The former Southampton speed-merchant will be looking to make a successful transition from wide-right to striker, which is where he finished last campaign. His last two competitive matches saw him net four goals including a hat-trick against West Brom in the final Premier League game of the 2014-15 season.

It took Walcott sometime to find his feet in an Arsenal shirt but now he is part of the furniture and is an integral part of The Gunners' ever-improving British core. 

Cazorla's creativity is integral to Arsenal's progression

It can not be underestimated how important the deal to keep Cazorla at the Emirates is, he surprised many last season with how combative he can be, his stand-out performance was arguably during the 2-0 win at the Etihad where he scored from the spot, working in tandem with Francis Coquelin, as Arsenal tirelessly wore down Manchester City away from home in an efficient, effective display.

Cazorla is seen as the old head in the Arsenal midfield, the versatile Spaniard has had a very productive pre-season, carrying on where he left off last term. The former Malaga midfielder is the creative link between the tough-tackling Coquelin and the pass-master that is Mesut Özil.

This is another signal of intent, and if it wasn't already apparent - Arsenal have no problem in paying what is required to keep their best players, selling to rivals is seemingly now a thing of the past.

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About the author
Andy Rees
I am a freelance football writer who mainly concentrates on everything Arsenal