Wenger confirms captain Arteta will leave Arsenal, could make Man City move
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Updated 06/05/2016 at 08:54 GMT
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta will leave the club this summer – and could join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta celebrates with the Community Shield after the game
Image credit: PA Photos
The midfielder, who was appointed captain in August 2014 after the sale of Thomas Vermaelen, has not started a single Premier League game this season after suffering with injury and dropping out of Wenger’s plans.
Arteta, 34, has been linked with a role working under Guardiola, whom he played alongside at Barcelona, when he takes up his position at City, although as a coach rather than a player.
"It is true that he is out of contract here and his contract finishes," said Wenger. "It is a good opportunity for me to thank him for his contribution, not only as a player but also as a leader
"I heard about that possibility (City) said Wenger. "He is able to inform you much better than I. He is free to decide what he wants.
"I still think he can play and in the last months he has come back to a very good physical level. He is in a position today to continue to play. He would still be a very good player.”
Arteta joined Arsenal in a £10 million deal on August transfer deadline day, 2011. He has made 148 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 16 goals.
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