Arsenal could still offload Mikel Arteta this summer, after it emerged that the Spaniard is yet to officially sign a contract extension – his current deal expired this summer.
Arsenal had not included Arteta on their release list, which indicated a contract extension had been agreed. Earlier in the season many outlets suggested a deal was done for Arteta to extend – but that was never officially confirmed.
Now it seems there is currently no contract in place for the Spaniard as the Gunners head into pre-season. The Telegraph’s Jeremy Wilson reported on Monday night:
Arteta would be the natural back-up (to Coquelin) but he is still in negotiations about signing a new contract while Arsenal would also be open to offers for Flamini.
Arsenal are listening to offers for Flamini, who has one year left on his current deal whilst also actively trying to shift Lukas Podolski, Joel Campbell and David Ospina. If all five of these players left – Arsenal would have the potential to bring in two world class players in central midfield and perhaps up front.
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I like Arteta and think he still probably has one good season left in him – but if it’s him or a new signing of high quality – I’d have to go for the new signing. Arsenal want to win the league now and we are no longer content with a top four place, replacing Arteta would be another ruthless step in the right direction.