Everton have announced that midfielder Mikel Arteta has agreed a new five-year contract at Goodison Park. 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 official website: "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."
Arteta returned to action in January after almost a year out with a serious knee injury.
Chairman Bill Kenwright said: "Mikel Arteta is one of the finest players ever to wear an Everton shirt and over the past few weeks his pride in wearing that shirt has helped our conversations hugely.
"Alongside several others in the squad we are both passionate Evertonians.
"After already tying up the likes of Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell, Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman on long-term deals we have now agreed terms with one of the finest and most influential players in our recent history."
Moyes added: "It's great news that Mikel Arteta has pledged his future to Everton.
"He is a very important player for us and we are delighted to secure him.
"The chairman deserves a lot of credit for making this deal happen. He is continually trying to move the club forward."
