By Chris Woodruff.
Manchester United are reportedly ready to table a bid of around £10million for Everton star Mikel Arteta. The 28-year-old Spanish midfielder, who has also drawn interest from Arsenal and Manchester City, has two years remaining on his current contract. However with negotiations over an extension faltering, the door may be open to a move away from Goodison Park.
Despite having his 2009/10 season disrupted by injury, Arteta impressed with a return of 6 goals in 13 premier league appearances, form which Sir Alex Ferguson may feel is what is needed to boost his United side which at times was too reliant on Wayne Rooney for attacking inspiration last season.
Arteta, who somewhat unfortunately has never been capped for Spain, was initially brought to the Blues on loan from Real Sociedad, and soon after was snapped up on a permanent deal for a fee of £2 million in 2005. He has played a total of 173 games for the Toffees, scoring 28 goals in all competitions.
Ferguson and his fellow Scot David Moyes have an amicable relationship that has paved the way for a number of transfers between the two clubs over the years. Philip Neville, Tim Howard and Louis Saha have all made the move from Manchester to Mersyside, whilst Wayne Rooney became the most expensive teenager ever when he moved to Old Trafford for £25.6 million in the summer of 2004. Young starlet Jack Rodwell has been constantly linked with a move to the Reds this year having impressed in his first full season in the Everton team, however having signed a new 5 year contract last week, this switch is one which is unlikely to take place in the near future.
Although Moyes is desperate to keep his midfield maestro, Arteta – who is revered by the Goodison faithful – may find the lure of Champions League football too much to turn down as he desperately tries to break into an outrageously talented Spain midfield.
I personally would relish the prospect of seeing Arteta in a United shirt. A proven Premier League player, he would provide much needed creativity in the heart of the midfield, something that I believe has been lacking from the squad for a number of years. With Michael Carrick’s performances deteriorating at an alarming rate and the impending retirement of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, Arteta would be the perfect midfield partner for the industrious Darren Fletcher, and along with the electric pace and skill of Nani and Antonio Valencia on the wings, would give Manchester United a balanced midfield full of goals and assists ahead of the 2010/11 season.
Would United fans like to see Arteta at Old Trafford? Please leave your comments below….
