Arsenal Target Seamus Coleman Signs New Everton Contract

Arsenal target Seamus Coleman has snubbed the Gunners and signed a new five-year contract to remain in Merseyside with Everton until the summer of 2019.

Coleman had a fantastic season with Everton scoring seven goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. It was his best season since he joined the Toffees in January 2009 from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers.

The Republic of Ireland defender was also named in the PFA Team of the Year and was voted Everton's Player of the Season for 2013-14.

Arsenal had earmarked Coleman as a replacement for the departing Bacary Sagna with Arsene Wenger running the rule over the player during the season.

It is a blow for the Gunners as he would have slotted perfectly into the system of the attacking full-back.

The 25-year-old defender, is delighted to have committed his future at Goodison Park. He also credits his manager Roberto Martinez for believing in him and showing him that the club is on the rise.

"With how much I love playing at Everton, I was delighted to get the chance to sign another contract, I've been at Everton five years now and I love everything around the place. I love working with all the players, the staff, the coaching staff - everything. It was a very happy decision to make," Coleman told Everton's official site

"With the manager and some of the players we have, we're going to the right places," he added.

Coleman also spoke about Everton's charge for a European place. The Merseyside club fought with Arsenal in the latter part of the season for fourth place but missed out in the end having to settle for a place in the Europa league.

"With the Europa League as well next season, I'm looking forward to it. I'm not reflecting too much on last season. I'm more thinking about what is coming up, getting ready to go and try to do as well again," the Evertonian added.

"We just missed out on Champions League and I think every season you want to do a little bit better than you did in the previous one.

"We've got Europa League now, which will be a good experience for the players, and hopefully we can do well in that. Personally, if I can just keep my standards high, train hard and hopefully play on a matchday, then it will all be going to plan," Everton's Player of the Season concluded.