Coach Arsene Wenger has signed a new two-year deal with Arsenal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2019.

The Frenchman’s contract was due to end at the conclusion of the current season and his future had been the source of speculation for months.

“I’m happy and excited. Happy because I can work where I love to be. As well because this club cherishes the values I love.

“I’m excited because I believe that our end of season is a big springboard to go for more. We have created a dynamic that is very positive and we want to build on that and transfer that positive end of season [form] to the new season,” Wenger said after signing the new deal.

The Gunners came a disappointing fifth in the Premier League this season, their first since the 67-year-old took over at the club in 1996.

However, Wenger was given a boost by the 2-1 win over champions Chelsea in the FA Cup final and was given the backing of the club’s board at a meeting on Tuesday.