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Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta is not concerned that he has not signing a new deal at the Emirates, saying that negotiations will only take “five minutes”.
It has been an injury-plagued season for the 33-year-old Spaniard, who has not played since November due to an ankle injury. However manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that he is keen to extend the midfielder’s deal by at least 12 months.
Arsenal have traditionally only offered one year extensions to players over 30 but it seems the manager may be willing to make an exception for a player who has made just seven league appearances this season. Arteta said that he is focused on returning to full fitness before concerning himself with a new deal.
"My only aim is to get back fit and try to perform on the pitch," he told reporters.
“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.”
Arteta’s absence has come along with a number of midfield colleagues but, with Jack Wilshere set to take part in this evening’s FA Cup semi-final, the captain’s return brings his side closer to full strength.
Arteta said: "I am not far. I have done five or six sessions with the first team and I am feeling good. I don't feel I am ready to start, but I'm almost there. It has been a long process; I don't want to rush it."
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