Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta could decide to leave the club behind this summer as he doesn't want to spend the remainder of his career sitting on the bench.
This has been reported by The Sun, who have suggested that the player's former manager David Moyes is interested in being reunited with the midfielder at La Liga outfit Real Sociedad. Arteta worked under Moyes at Everton before completing a switch to the Gunners back in 2011.
Struggles
However, the Spaniard has endured a tricky time in north London of late, having failed to maintain his fitness and secure a regular role in the side.
Despite being handed the role of club-captain after Thomas Vermaelen's departure to Barcelona last summer, Francis Coquelin has seemingly taken over his position in the middle of the park in recent time.
In fact Coquelin has gone from strength-to-strength at the Emirates, which has seemingly put Arteta's future at the club in doubt.
However, despite his lack of first-team football, the same report has claimed that the Gunners chief wants to keep the 32-year-old at the club as he sets a good example for the younger players in the side.
It appears, though, that it's regular football Arteta wants, so it remains to be seen as to whether he will stick around at the club for the 2015/16 campaign. With the player set to run out of contract in north London in 2016, his long term future at the club is certainly in some doubt.
It's time for a change
In truth, despite Arteta's experience, the Gunners may well be better offloading the midfielder. At 32, his best years are certainly behind him and Wenger and Co. need quality of the highest order in the middle of the park.
At the end of the day, the Spanish ace wants to play on a consistent basis and this is something Arsenal aren't going to be able to offer him if they realistically want to mount a challenge for the Premier League title next term.
If Arsenal can land someone in the mould of Morgan Schneiderlin this summer then they should take it as they need to continue to progress under the guidance of Wenger.
And if Moyes makes a move for Arteta, then the Arsenal hierarchy should allow him to depart. It would be beneficial for both club and player.
Arsenal fans: Should Arteta leave this summer? Have your say in the comments section below!
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