Skipper pens 12-month extension
Midfielder Mikel Arteta has signed a new one-year deal with Arsenal, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.
In a statement on the Gunners‘ website, Wenger said:
“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.
“With the number of games we have ahead, we could use his experience, his desire and his quality as it will be vital for next season”
The news is another boost for Arsenal, after the club’s signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea.
Club captain Arteta had an injury-hit season last term, and hasn’t featured since November against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
He signed for Arsenal in 2011 for £10m from Everton.
The Spaniard is expected to be used as a back-up option in the centre of the park after the shock emergence of Francis Coquelin last season.
Wenger may also add a new midfielder to the squad, which would most likely see Arteta drop down to third choice with Mathieu Flamini also leaving the club.
by Steve Osborne
