Rumour: Mikel Arteta won't be offered a new deal at Arsenal

Arsenal are reportedly not in any contract talks with Mikel Arteta over a new deal – and are not intending offering the Spaniard one anytime soon.

The Gunners have been dealing out new contracts to a number of first team staff, with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky all penning new deals in recent weeks, while talks continue between the club and Bacary Sagna in an attempt to get the French defender to extend his stay beyond the end of the season.

Arteta’s contract at the club expires at the end of next season, but as yet there has been no indication that he will be offered an extension beyond the summer of 2015 according to Goal.com.

Arteta has been the scapegoat among a large proportion of Arsenal fans for the club’s performances in big games, with his inability to provide a shield for his defenders in the heavy away defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea a source of annoyance.

The classy Spaniard has remained a regular first team member in Arsene Wenger’s XI, but doubters are beginning to believe that the raft of injuries that Arsenal have suffered in the centre of the pitch is partially responsible for his continued appearances.

Wenger has reportedly targeted a holding midfielder to be part of his summer spending, Arteta could be moved to a more supporting role at the club and with the former Everton man having just turned 32, he could be allowed to exit the club come the end of next season.