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Joe Willock signs long-term contract extension with Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock has signed a long-term contract extension with the club.

Arsenal announced the deal on their official website on Friday, but did not disclose details of the contract.

"We would all like to congratulate Joe on his new deal, and look forward to his continued progress with the club," Arsenal said in a statement.

The 18-year-old has broken into Wenger's side this season with five starts in the Europa League and Carabao Cup, including Thursday's 0-0 draw against Red Star Belgrade at the Emirates.

Willock has been deployed as a central holding midfielder by Arsene Wenger, but has often played a more attacking role with the youth teams.

Willock's older brother, Chris, opted against signing a new contract with Arsenal this summer, leaving the club to join Portuguese champions Benfica.

Another brother, Matty Willock, is a member of Manchester United's academy and currently on loan at Dutch club Utrecht.