Midfielder Mikel Arteta has stated that he is ready to commit himself to Arsenal
Since arriving at Arsenal on deadline day during the 2011/12 season, Mikel Arteta has managed to establish himself as a key component of the Gunners’ side.
Almost an ever present in the squad under manager Arsene Wenger, Arteta was named as the club captain following the departure of Thomas Vermaelen and he remains a hugely respected figure among the fans.
However, the current campaign has been a very difficult one for Arteta due to injuries hampering his progress and it seems like young Francis Coquelin has managed to take over the defensive midfielder position at the Emirates Stadium during the Spaniard’s absence.
With Arteta’s current contract at the club set to expire at the end of next season, it has recently even been reported that the Gunners could well consider offloading the 33-year old.
However, the veteran midfielder is desperate to extend his stay at Arsenal further and has stated that he expects to complete a new deal after making a return to full fitness.
The 33-year old said, “My only aim is to get back fit and try to perform on the pitch. As long as I do that I am sure that I will continue with this club, with the relationship I have with the club and the respect I have from everybody here
“If I don’t do that then I am not going to be here because I don’t want to be somewhere where I cannot perform at my best and give what I think I can give. In May, when everything is fine, we will sit down and talk and it will take five minutes.”
