London, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Arsenal confirmed on Friday that the club has moved to secure the futures of young players Chuba Akpom and Francis Coquelin by extending the contracts of the duo.
The 19-year-old Akpom has managed to break into the first team with the Gunners as he has appeared in five matches in all competitions for manager Arsene Wenger as part of Wenger's group of forwards.
Coquelin, 23, has had an even bigger impact at the Emirates Stadium since being recalled from his loan at Charlton in November.
The Frenchman has played in eight games in the Premier League for the Gunners and has become an important piece in Arsenal's midfield rotation.
Wenger's men enter the weekend in fifth place, behind fourth-place Southampton on goal difference, and they will face rivals Tottenham on Saturday with the teams separated by two points.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.