London, July 9 (IANS) Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has signed a one-year contract extension at English Premier League (EPL) side Arsenal.
Arteta, who joined Arsenal in 2011 and was made captain three years later, made only 11 starts across all competitions last season as a result of injury problems, goal.com reported on Wednesday.
“He will stay with us for one more year because he has extended his contract,” Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger told the club’s official website.
He was at risk of leaving the London side as his deal expired this summer but Wenger has moved to tie him down for another year, though he warns that he “faces a battle” to regain and hold his place in the team.
“He’s one of the leaders in the club because he’s the captain of the team. I expect him to contribute much more than last season but he also faces a battle,” Wenger said.
“With the number of games we have ahead, we could use his experience, his desire and his quality as it will be vital for next season.”