Confirmed: Eric Abidal Agrees New Contract With Barcelona

French full back Eric Abidal has committed his future to Barcelona after agreeing a new contract extension, the club have confirmed tonight.

The 32-year-old defender’s contract was due to expire in the summer and the two parties have been negotiating for months over an extension.

This lead to reports linking Arsenal with a move for Abidal, with Sky Sports sources claiming Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was considering making a move for the experienced stopper due to the North London clubs defensive crisis.

However, Abidal and now ended any speculation over his future after agreeing to a contract extension, that will see the player remain at the Nou Camp until at least the summer of 2013.

The new deal also includes a clause that gives Barca the option to renew for a further year, which will be reviewed at the end of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Barcelona’s official website confirmed the news:

“FC Barcelona and Éric Abidal have reached an agreement to extend the player’s contract by one year, until June 30th, 2013. The agreement includes a provision to extend the Frenchman’s contract until 2015, with automatic yearly renovations from 2013 through 2015.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will now have to look elsewhere if he wants to add a new full back to his ranks this January.