Arca signs new Sunderland deal

Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2007.

The highly-rated 23-year-old Argentinian, who had eight months left on his current deal, deliberated on the two-year extension but said there was never any doubt he wanted to stay with the Coca-Cola Championship club.

“It was just a case of getting everything right. I gave the manager my word that if the club was fair to me I would sign,” he told the club’s website, www.safc.com.

“I’m pleased to get it sorted because it was a big decision for me. I want to win promotion with Sunderland, that’s the aim now.

“I’m ambitious and I want to play in the Premiership again. I’m hoping I can do it next season with Sunderland.”

Arca joined Sunderland in July 2000 from Argentinos Juniors for £3.5m (€5m), scoring on his debut against West Ham at the Stadium of Light.