Song has forced his way into the first team over the past two seasons

Arsenal midfielder Alexandre Song has signed a new long-term contract that will run until 2014.

The 22-year-old has been a regular starter for the Gunners this season, playing in 18 of the club's 23 Premier League and European games.

Song, who spent a spell on loan with Charlton in 2007, was a £1m signing from French side Bastia in 2006.

"He is an important player," manager Arsene Wenger said. "He has four years to go after this season, to 2014."

Song, who arrived after an initial loan-spell from Bastia, has also established himself in the Cameroon midfield, winning 15 caps in helping the country qualify for the African Cup of Nations in January and next summer's World Cup finals.

606: DEBATE We all know how good he's become defensively and have seen glimpses of his attacking qualities The 5 Star Bandit

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Song broke into the Arsenal first team on a regular basis last season, scoring his first goals in both the Premier League and Champions League.

He is the third Arsenal player to sign a long-term deal in the past week, striker Eduardo and 18-year-old winger Sanchez Watt agreeing new deals last week.

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