Arsene Wenger has today revealed in his pre-FA Cup semi-final press conference that he fully expects Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky to stay past this summer.
The duo will be offered new one-year deals – Le Professeur favours the one-year option only for any players over the age of 30 – and the Frenchman believes the midfielders both won’t be seeking pastures new.
As club captain, and a player who has suffered a real injury hit season, I fully expect Arteta to remain at the Emirates and I’d be delighted if the former Everton man did. However, that’s more for his off the field presence he so clearly has and the Spaniard is a player and person Arsene Wenger trusts.
Rosicky, although we all love the little magician, and would love him to stay, his signing upon on the dotted line isn’t as much as a forgone conclusion as Arteta’s. The Czech Republic international has struggled for consistent playing time despite performing when given the chance.
Anyway, it appears that Arsenal fans are split over the news surrounding the pair:
Why should Arteta and Rosicky get new deals? Makes no sense
— Goziem Isichei (@goziem_i) April 16, 2015
Makes no sense giving Rosicky a new contract at all and you could argue Arteta shouldn't get one either.
— TomPratt18 (@AFCTom18) April 16, 2015
Damn Rosicky and Arteta are staying
— ScHoolBoy A (@_Ar1nze) April 16, 2015
chelsea have won the premier league and will still spend a hundred mill on players we made top 4 and wont because we have arteta and rosicky
— 🙂 robbie (@coquelan) April 16, 2015
Coz they're our legends"@AFC_Blogs: Goal: Wenger: Rosicky & Arteta will stay at Arsenal http://t.co/6ONkXodgi8 #AFC (News)"
— Rudi hermawan (@dillanletto) April 16, 2015
Rosicky/Arteta combined wages are greater than £100k per week. That's one top class player.
— MW (@mediocentroEN) April 16, 2015
Wenger says Arteta and Rosicky will be at the club next season. Told you we're not signing a midfielder. Hopefully Coquelin improves.
— MW (@mediocentroEN) April 16, 2015