Arsenal vice-captain Mikel Arteta is keen to hold talks with the club regarding a new contract, as his current deal expires next Summer.
The Spanish midfielder has just one-year left on his current deal, and due to being over the age of 30, he will only be offered 12-month extensions due to the club’s policy, which is similar to that of Chelsea’s.
Arsenal’s board do not believe players over-30 should be offered long-term deals, and they work on a yearly basis with the players that are over the age, and that is a strong reason why Bacary Sagna is keen to leave as he wants a long-term deal.
The 32-year-old has been key to Arsene Wenger ever since arriving from Everton, and after making 42 appearances this season in the central-midfield role, he is keen to discuss his future with the club sooner rather than later.
“I don’t know what is going to happen,” Arteta added. “With players over 30 they have a policy and I don’t know if they plan change it or maintain it.
“Depending on what their mind is I will give them my opinion and how I see it.
“I don’t value players by age, whether it is Tomas Rosicky or Jack Wilshere. I analyse many other things before age.
“For the club, it can be an asset. For me, a much bigger asset is someone who has played over 125 games in three years compared to someone who has played 25 and is 20.
“I understand the club’s point of view – Mikel is not a £25million player because he is not 22 anymore – but I know what I can give.
“So it is to find the right balance between mentalities is something that we need to analyse and talk about.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
