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Arsenal Confirm Midfielder Has Signed New Contract

By mac14 on July 8, 2015

Arsenal have finally confirmed that Mikel Arteta has signed a new one-year contract extension keeping him at the club until 2016.

Arteta’s last deal expired at the end of June and there had been much speculation over his future with some claiming he could head back to Spain to see out his career while there were suggestions he may be forced to call it a day due to chronic calf problems.

However, the Mirror reported yesterday that the Spaniard had signed a new one-year deal with Arsenal and the club have now confirmed the news on Arsenal.com.

Arsene expressed his delight that the club captain has committed his future and hinted that the 33-year-old’s experience played a key part in him staying, telling the clubs website:

“He will stay with us for one more year because he has extended his contract,” Wenger said

“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.”

I’m all for keeping Arteta around the club as a fringe player as he’s excellent to have in the dressing room but I have my doubts how much playing time he should get.

His legs were clearly gone last year so if this extension means we will no longer be bringing in another holding midfielder, I think it’s a huge mistake.