• Premier League

I'm well suited to Arsenal's style - Arteta

ESPNsoccernet staff
September 2, 2011
Mikel Arteta believes his style is well suited to Arsenal's © Getty Images
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New Arsenal signing Mikel Arteta is relishing the prospect of playing to Arsene Wenger's passing philosophy at Emirates Stadium.

Arteta joined Arsenal in a £10 million move from Everton on transfer deadline day, with the 29-year-old old Spaniard said to have taken a pay cut to force the move through. His arrival followed the summer departures of midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and with Arsenal smarting from an 8-2 defeat to Manchester United.

But Arteta's mood is firmly one of optimism as he contemplates a new chapter to his career in north London.

"I know Arsenal's philosophy is always having possession of the ball and to be a really nice passing team, it's the type of football I like to play, so I can't wait,'' Arteta said. "I am going there to help the team to make things better and to see if we can win something.

"Fabregas has been a terrific player, one of the best in the Premier League and [replacing him] is a big ask. What I want to do is start helping the team, start showing my abilities and see where we go from there.''

Arteta spent six-and-a-half years at Everton, and it looked like he would finish his career at Goodison Park when he signed a new five-year deal in 2010. Ultimately, however, the club's lack of ambition in the transfer market forced his hand.

"It has been hard saying goodbye to everyone at Everton and seeing some of the reaction of people with whom I've shared so many good moments,'' he said. "I think the club is in a situation where they need to sell someone. They don't want to put the team and the club in a situation when in one or two years time this club is in bits.''

Arsenal were one of the busiest clubs over the final days of the transfer window, as deals were concluded to bring in South Korea captain Park Chu-young - who netted a hat-trick in Friday's 6-0 World Cup qualifier win over against Lebanon - and defensive duo Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos. Israel captain Yossi Benayoun was another arrival, joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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