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Mikel Arteta REJECTS Arsenal exit claims and hails new signing Alexis Sanchez
MIKEL ARTETA has reiterated his desire to stay at Arsenal amid reports of interest from Spain.
Athletic Bilbao were linked with the midfielder earlier this month as the Basque club seek a replacement for departed Manchester United signing Ander Herrera.
But Arteta, who is also a target for Fiorentina, rejected talk of an exit when speaking at the launch of Arsenal's new kit.
“I can’t stop the rumours, but what I am certain is that I’m really happy here, I feel valued, I have been given a lot of responsibility and I like it," said Arteta.
"Until they think something different about me, I’m happy.
“I had a conversation with the manager. He knows my opinion and we’re fine."
Arsenal Premier League Preview
Arteta was one of the poster boys for Arsenal's PUMA kit launch and it seems unlikely he will leave without boss Arsene Wenger lining up a replacement.
And the 32-year-old remained positive ahead of the new season, especially after welcoming striker Alexis Sanchez into the fold.
"He's the type of player we were looking for," added Arteta.
"At some stage [last season] we didn't have that pace up front with the injuries we had, but this year we will. We will be a threat in behind teams and he'll give us another option.
What do you think about the new @PUMAFootball @Arsenal Forever kit? I can't wait to play in it! #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/uNMCFMUWZ9
— Mikel Arteta (@m8arteta) July 11, 2014
"He's a character, too. He's a fighter and very ambitious. I think he's the type of player that the Arsenal fans will really like.
"It is a very good statement to show where we are going. I think we are going in the right direction, the club is ambitious, the directors are ambitious and we are going to fight for big aims."
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