Arca finally signs new contract

Sunderland AFC today expressed delight at securing the signature of highly-rated Argentinean defender Julio Arca as the player put pen to paper to sign a 3-year deal with the Club.

Fans favourite, Julio, 23, whose existing deal was due to expire at the end of the season, allowing him to leave the Club on a Bosman free transfer, is now contracted to remain with the Black Cats until 30 June 2007.

Chairman Bob Murray was determined to re-sign the player to both retain the player's services and protect the Club's investment.

Julio is an influential player who has attracted interest from other clubs, securing his signature was a top priority for SAFC who can now count on including Arca in the promotion run in. The Board were keen to back manager Mick McCarthy and offered Arca an attractive package.

The Chairman who led discussions with Julio and his representatives expressed his delight at the completion of the deal. He said:

" Julio was very positive and co-operative throughout our negotiations, he appreciates the high esteem he is held in with our supporters and this was a key consideration for him.

" We are determined to do everything we can to take this Club back into the Premiership. Mick McCarthy values Julio services and the Board fully supported his desire to hold onto him to ensure he is available for the rest of the season. Securing the services of someone of Julio's quality demonstrates our commitment to achieving promotion."

A left-sided midfielder, who is equally comfortable in the left-back position, Julio moved to Sunderland from Argentinos Juniors in 2000 and was an instant hit at the Stadium of Light. He has gone on to establish himself as a firm favourite with Black Cats fans and was an overwhelming choice as Player of the Year last season.

In the current transfer market players' values rapidly diminish as contracts draw to a close and Julio's new deal means that the Club has protected the value of one of its biggest stars.

Bob Murray further added:

"With the recent signings we have made we have brought in exciting, hungry and talented players. I feel confident that we have a squad capable of taking us back into the Premiership. The run-in to the end of the season is sure to be an exciting one and we are all working hard to achieve our ultimate goal."