Arsenal look to future with Fabregas

Arsenal's Francesc Fabregas (L) keeps the ball away from Manchester United's Roy Keane. Fabregas, the youngest player and youngest scorer in Arsenal's history, has signed a long-term contract with the English champions.

Francesc Fabregas, the youngest player and youngest scorer in Arsenal's history, has signed a long-term contract with the English champions.

The 17-year-old midfielder has established himself as one of the Gunners' hottest prospects and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes he can guarantee the club's future.

"My first year here has been like a dream, I never thought I would have the opportunity to play in the first team so early on," he told the Arsenal website.

"But I've worked hard and will continue to do so, learning from the best players around - I'm very excited about my future here."

Fabregas joined Arsenal from Barcelona in September 2003 and made history by appearing in the League Cup against Rotherham United at 16 years and 177 days.

He then became the club's youngest ever scorer in his next appearance against Wolves in the same competition.

Wenger added: "Cesc has shown great maturity since he joined, and has adapted well to the pace of the English game.

"He is a playmaker, someone with real vision and he has all the ingredients to be a big player for us.

"We have a young team with good experience, and Cesc is very much a part of the future of the club."

The length of his contract was not stipulated.