Mikel Arteta’s agent cools down the interest from Fiorentina

Mikel Arteta is not going anywhere, says his agent.

As Thomas Vermaelen was out of the team for most of the season, Mikel Arteta wore the captain’s armband and the Spaniard lead the Gunners to FA Cup glory last May. The 32 year old midfielder is entering the final year of the contract and with Arsenal’s policy not to offer more than 1 year extension to players above the age of 30, he could possibly run down his contract and walk out on a free. Many first team players extended their contracts with the Gunners during the course of last season and it seems Arsenal management is yet to table new extension deal for the midfielder. Arteta joined the Gunners in 2011 with 4 other “panic transfer deadline day signings” following six years stint at Everton.

Since joining Arsenal, former Rangers & Real Sociedad man has been instrumental in the midfield for Arsene Wenger’s team. In 135 appearances in Red & White to his name, he has scored 14 times. Unlike Everton where he played more like an attacking midfielder, in Arsenal, he plays in deeper role, to fill the void left by the departure of Alex Song. This summer, Arsenal are linked with a number of midfield players such as Alexis Sanchez, Antoine Griezmann, Jackson Martinez, Morgan Schneiderline etc and that has attracted interest from Italian giants Fiorentina. La Viola want to strengthen the midfield by signing Mikel Arteta but spaniard’s agent Inaki Ibanez says the player will continue to play at the Emirates.

"The player has no intention to leave London," Ibanez said to Italian radio station Radio Blu.

"We have not spoken to any club and I would like to remind everyone that we are talking about the Arsenal captain, with all respect for Fiorentina."