Wolfsburg midfielder Maximilian Arnold has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the Bundesliga club until 2020.
The 21-year-old became Wolfsburg's youngest ever player when he made his Bundesliga debut in 2011 at the age of 17, and the midfielder has gone on to make 109 appearances for the club.
"I have felt right at home at VfL since the very beginning," Arnold said. "I became a Bundesliga player during my time in Wolfsburg and I consider myself to have the best opportunity to develop further here.
"I am very happy that Klaus Allofs and Dieter Hecking continue to place their faith in me. The premature contract extension is proof of the trust they have in me."
Maxi #Arnold has prematurely extended his contract at VfL for a further 3 years until 2020: https://t.co/XjSZQosJ84 pic.twitter.com/tthxbFNvHZ
- VfL Wolfsburg EN (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) February 24, 2016
Arnold's 18 goals from midfield during his time at the club have made him a crucial player for the side currently eighth in the German top-flight, and his impressive displays have also caught the eye of the national team's coaching staff, with a first cap coming against Poland in May 2014.
"In Maxi Arnold, we are delighted to have bound a top-performer to the club for the long-term and also hold onto a person who is seen as a figure of identification by the fans," stated VfL director of sport Klaus Allofs.
"Together with Robin Knoche he is the best example of how, through hard-work and talent, you can make your way through the youth teams to become a successful Bundesliga player."
Head coach Dieter Hecking added: "Maxi has consistently proven how important he is to the team over the past few years. His development is extremely positive. He not only plays in an attacking role, but now can also fulfil a defensive midfield role thanks to the quality he possesses.
"When he's on the pitch he is a prime example of determination and fighting spirit. I am very happy that we can count on him in the future."