The 27-year-old revealed in April that he was very happy with the Gunners, and hinted that he could remain there for the rest of his career.

The Ivory Coast international joined the club in 2002, and has since become a linchpin in the Gunners defence.

"When I put the shirt on it means a lot of things for me. I will be so glad to finish my career here. At the moment everything is going well," he said.

big thing

"We had a great season and played some fantastic games. But we (Arsenal) went away without any trophies - and that's a big, big thing for us.

"The team are still really strong, the club are still really strong and the manager is doing a great job."

Arsenal begin the 2008/09 season with a home match against newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion.