Francis Coquelin is set to be rewarded with a new Arsenal contract.
The Sunday Mirror says he has shown muscle and energy in front of an often fragile back four and impressed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger with his attitude.
Coquelin has struggled to establish himself at the Gunners since he was signed from French club Laval in 2008.
He has been on loan at Lorient and Freiburg as well as Charlton but Wenger has noted a new maturity and enthusiasm since his return.
Coquelin's contract runs out at the end of the season - and a new offer appears to be imminent.