Arteta Linked With La Liga Move - Why Arsenal Should Keep Hold Of The Spanish Midfielder

Now that the dust has settled on the Bacary Sagna saga, there hasn't been much big news in terms of outgoings at Arsenal. Lukasz Fabianski has left for Swansea and rarely used forwards Nicklas Bendtner and Park Chu-Young are set to be released by the club. Apart from such fringe players, fans of the Gunners have not really had to worry about any departures from the Emirates Stadium.

However, a rumour that could be an interesting one to follow is Mikel Arteta's situation at Arsenal. The ageing Spanish midfielder has been an incredibly consistent player for the Gunners since they signed him from Everton back in 2011. At the same time, he isn't getting younger and publications around the country are linking Arsenal with moves for other defensive midfielders. This has led to the Express reporting that Athletic Bilbao are lining up a move for Arteta to replace the Manchester United-bound Ander Herrera.

Personally, I don't think Arsenal should be too hasty in selling Arteta just yet, as he could prove to be an important player next season. Everyone in football knows what comes with age: less mobility, more frequent injuries and a decrease in stamina. For many positions, the decline is too important not to take on board. However, the Spaniard plays in a holding midfield role where mobility isn't high on the list of priorities.

I'm not suggesting that Arsenal should keep Arteta as a starter, but instead that they should keep him as a squad member who will come in handy at some point in the season. This could be to give other players a break or to add some defensive steel when the Gunners need it. Although he proved, once again, that he is capable of playing for Arsenal, his role next season should be confined to being a squad player.

Comments

[Wam]

as he's not on massive wages I'd keep him around as cover. Not first 11 material, but a good sub to kill a game off with 15mins remaining. Ozil off Arteta on could be quite common next season.

[Rik Shaw]

It depends who comes in to some extent, and whether Arteta is keen to go. Unless the Arsenal injury rate improves ,the midfield isn't as strong as it seems so Wenger needs to watch he doesn't leave himself too thin again. All too often it seems injuries have left us with insufficient cover.