Mikel Arteta Not Tempted to Leave Arsenal, Insists Agent

Mikel Arteta is not on the brink of leaving Arsenal according to his agent after the Spaniard was linked with a move to Fiorentina.

The Gunners captain made 31 league appearances for the club last season but his future at the Emirates has come under scrutiny after a noticeable drop of form during the second half of the campaign.

Arsene Wenger handed new contracts to eight members of his squad last term but the club have yet to hold talks with Arteta, whose current deal expires next summer.

While the club are currently in the process of finalising deals for Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy, a powerful midfield presence is understood to be next on the manager's list, with Germany international Sami Khedira and Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin possible targets.

With his role in the first team seemingly in doubt, reports have suggested Fiorentina have been preparing a bid of £3m for the 32-year-old.

But the player's agent has moved quickly to quash rumours of an imminent departure.

"I haven't heard from any clubs," Arteta's agent Inaki Ibanez said. "What are the chances of him leaving? He's the captain of Arsenal, he is an Arsenal player and he is happy here. He also has a contract for another year."

While Wenger may be considering a long-term replacement for Arteta the Gunners boss may have to also consider another centre half to his squad should Thomas Vermaelen leave the club. The Belgian has been intensely linked with a move to Manchester United and recently admitted he is unsure whether he will at Arsenal next season.

"I really do not know where I will play, Arsenal or elsewhere next season, Vermaelen said. "All my attention went to the World Cup. I will see when I talk with Arsenal."

Vermaelen, whose contract at the Emirates expires next summer, made just seven league starts last season as he struggled to break up the partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.