Mikel Arteta dismisses Arsenal rumours

11 April 2012

Mikel Arteta is happy to stay at Everton, according his agent.

The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal as a potential replacement for compatriot Cesc Fabregas, who is being pursued by Barcelona.

Reports have also claimed Manchester United are monitoring the 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract at the Merseyside club.

But agent Inaki Ibanez told Press Association Sport: "Newspapers always say many things. He has a wife and child and is happy in the city."

The speculation may increase Everton's determination to tie the player to a new deal.

Manager David Moyes has made the re-signing of key players one of his top priorities for the summer and yesterday completed a new four-year deal with Tim Cahill.

Negotiations are also ongoing with player of the year Steven Pienaar and young player of the year Jack Rodwell.

Arteta, who returned to action in January after almost a year out with a knee injury, joined Everton from Real Sociedad in 2005 after a successful loan spell. He previously played for Rangers.

Meanwhile, Cahill has said there was little doubt he wanted to stay at Goodison Park.

The inspirational Australia midfielder has been one of the Premier League's most consistent performers since joining the club from Millwall in 2004.

Cahill told the club's website, www.evertonfc.com: "I don't chase big moves.

"That's the one thing I've done all my career, I've never invited clubs, I've never speculated.

"Everton know the way I work. It's a sign of respect. With the history we've got, the future we've got, I feel there's no bigger club.

"Obviously people will say I'm crazy because there's Man United and Arsenal and Champions League, but when you put it down in black and white, what I've achieved, what I'm going to achieve, it was the right decision to make."

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