Few years back, Arsenal sold two brilliant players in the form of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and signed Mikel Arteta from Everton. A move that was considered by fans a panic buy.
The Spanish international proved to be frutiful for the Gunners and became an important member of the squad. Last season after the departure of former skipper. Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arteta was handed the captain’s armband.
Arsenal have officially confirmed that Arteta has extended his stay with a club by agreeing an extension. He is reportedly earning around $123,000 a week.
Wenger believes that Arteta can play a significant role next season as he claimed:
“He will stay with us for one more year because he has extended his contract,”
“He’s one of the leaders in the club because he’s the captain of the team. I expect him to contribute much more than last season but he also faces a battle.”
It will be fair to say that the 33 year old star is now past his best and cannot play at the optimum level for the North London club.
Moreover, with Ramsey and Coquelin working perfectly in midfield, Arteta may find himself warming the bench more often than not as captain like Vermaelen did before he left the club. Not to forget, Wilshere is another quality option at Wenger’s disposal.
The former Toffees midfielder was mainly injured last season and could only play in 7 league games for the Gunners.
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