Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger points as he watches his team play against Manchester City during their English Community Shield soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Sang Tan) AP Photo/Sang Tan
YOU! Are staying at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta. (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed Mikel Arteta is set to be handed a new contract at the club as he looks to tie down his new captain.

Arteta was officially named Gunners skipper last week following Thomas Vermaelen’s big money departure to Barcelona.

And despite taking plenty of stick from Arsenal fans over his performances, Wenger has backed the Spaniard and says he is close to signing a new contract to stay.

‘He is a strong personality, Mikel Arteta,’ Wenger said.

‘It’s not done at the moment, but I don’t really doubt that he will extend his contract.’

Arsenal v Benfica - Emirates Cup
Mikel Arteta is staying at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

The 32-year-old has played nearly 150 times for Arsenal since his switch from Everton, but has entered the final year of his contract with the club.

Many tipped Arteta to leave this summer with Fiorentina and Athletic Bilbao both interested, while Arsenal are also known to be on the lookout for another holding midfielder.

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