Martin Keown has signed a new two-year deal with Arsenal on the day the Premiership champions are set to unveil new recruit Pascal Cygan.
The 35-year-old former England defender, who retired from international football after the World Cup, had courted interest from a number of top flight clubs.
But Keown told the club's official website his intention was always to extend his stay at Highbury, where he returned in 1993 after spells at Aston Villa and Everton.
He said: "I'm delighted it's all been sorted out. There was no way I wanted to leave and that became obvious. Arsenal were aware that other clubs were interested in me and I don't think that surprised them.
"But I wanted to stay and they wanted me to stay. Now it's been resolved I can start looking forward to next season."
With Tony Adams thought to be considering his retirement, Keown will vie with French centre-back Cygan for a starting place alongside Sol Campbell.
Cygan, a 6ft 5ins defender, is set to be unveiled as the Gunners' latest signing at a press conference this afternoon.
He has been a target for the double winners following a series of impressive Champions League displays for Lille.
One player definitely on his way out of Highbury is Junichi Inamoto with, Fulham the most likely destination for the Japanese World Cup star.
Reports in the English press this morning have claimed the 22-year-old has agreed a three-year contract which starts with a one-year trial.
The west London outfit, whose boss Jean Tigana was impressed with Inamoto's sparkling display with two goals in the World Cup, are expected to announce the deal next week.
Inamoto's performances attracted interest from several European clubs including PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands as well as Italian sides Peruginta and Juventus.
But Tigana won the race for his signature after the midfielder expressed a firm interest to stay in the Premiership despite a miserable season with Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham have completed the signing of Belgian international Jonathan Blondel.
The 18-year-old midfielder joins the White Hart Lane side from Royal Excelsior Mouscron in Belgium and has signed a four-year deal.
Blondel has captained the Belgium Under-19 squad and helped his club side reach the Belgian Cup final last season and qualify for Europe.