Arteta signs new five-year deal with Toffees

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has agreed a new five-year contract at Goodison Park, the club have announced.

The news will end speculation over the 28-year-old’s future after a summer in which he has been linked with Arsenal and clubs in his native Spain.

Arteta follows Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman in signing a new long-term deal this summer.

Arteta told the club's website, www.evertonfc.com: ``What this summer has made me realise is how important I am to the club and how important the club is to me.

“The chairman and the manager wanted me to stay 120% and that makes me feel proud.

“We are all seeing the club and the future in the same way and that is special - something that you don’t always find.

“I believe in this squad. We have got a very strong squad now and it is getting difficult to pick an 11 because of the players we have.

“Something is happening here and I want to be a part of it.”