Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta pens new one-year deal as Arsene Wenger looks set to abandon plans to buy a defensive midfielder

  • Mikel Arteta had a agreed a new one-year deal months ago with Arsenal 
  • 33-year-old holding midfielder missed much of last season through injury
  • The Spaniard could have returned to his homeland but decided against so 
  • CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news 

By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline

Published: 17:38 EST, 6 July 2015 | Updated: 06:01 EST, 7 July 2015

Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta has finally ended doubt over his future by signing a new contract.

And the news means Arsene Wenger is ready to shelve plans to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer.

Arteta, 33, had agreed a new one-year deal months ago but a delay in the Spaniard actually signing the contract raised question marks about whether he would leave the Emirates this summer.

Mikel Arteta has extended his stay at Arsenal by at least another year after signing a new contract at the club

Mikel Arteta has extended his stay at Arsenal by at least another year after signing a new contract at the club

But Arteta, who could have returned to Spain, has committed himself and will lead the squad again next season.

He missed much of last season through injury and his return will provide Wenger with a boost going into the new season.

And it means the Gunners are no longer under major pressure to land a defensive midfielder.

Arsenal have dropped their interest in Morgan Schneiderlin, who set to join Manchester United, after baulking at his £25million valuation.

The 33-year-old (centre left) endured a frustrating campaign last term that was plagued by injury

The 33-year-old (centre left) endured a frustrating campaign last term that was plagued by injury

The Gunners remain keen on the Frenchman but Southampton would have to drop their price substantially.

Likewise, Francis Coquelin's emergence as Arsenal’s lynchpin midfielder last season and Santi Cazorla's switch to a central role - as well as Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky all vying for roles in the engine room - Wenger believes he doesn't now need a new midfield enforcer.

Meanwhile, keeper David Ospina - who will be sidelined by new £10m signing Petr Cech - will hold talks with Wenger before deciding his future.

He said: 'I have always had to fight for the title position at all of my clubs. You expect a big club like Arsenal to improve the squad but you must always impress the manager in training.'

One player who could be leaving Arsenal is David Ospina (left) who will hold talks about his future this summer

One player who could be leaving Arsenal is David Ospina (left) who will hold talks about his future this summer

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