Mikel Arteta hopeful of new Arsenal deal

Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta is confident that he will be offered a new contract at the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal captain has been out with injury since November.

Arteta's current deal at the Emirates will expire this summer and the Gunners have yet to open talks with the former Everton and Rangers man.

However, Arteta is certain that terms will be agreed with Arsenal and he told reporters yesterday: "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."