Mikel Arteta is a Spanish football player who currently features for the English and European giants Arsenal. He plays as an attacking midfielder and is rated as one of the best in the Premier League.
Arteta is a graduate of the Barcelona youth system but failed to play any matches for the senior side. He was farmed out on loan to French side Paris Saint Germain for the two seasons from 2000 to 2002 but failed to succeed and played for Rangers from 2002 to 2004. He then played for Real Sociedad in the 2004-2005 season and in January 2005 joined Everton.
Arteta was revelation at Everton and played 162 Premier League matches for the Blues. He developed into a Premier League class midfielder and established himself as one of the best players for the Toffees.
Following the departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona in the summer of 2011, Arsenal signed Arteta from Everton for £10 million on a four-year contract. The Spaniard was an instant success at the Emirates Stadium and was hailed as an able replacement for Fabregas. In August 2012, he was made the vice-captain of the North London club.
Arteta has represented Spain at the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 levels, but has yet to make his debut for the senior side.
