Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta has admitted his long-term future remains shrouded in doubt as he approaches the end of his contract, reports the London Evening Standard.

The 33 year old has made just 13 appearances this season and has not been seen in a matchday squad since January's 2-1 FA Cup victory over Burnley.

"Right now I'm just focused on contributing to the team on the pitch, we've an exciting end of the season looming and hopefully we'll win the Premier League," he told El Confidencial.

"The next chapter is more complicated, today, I'm not sure on my plans. Obviously, it's not impossible to think three months ahead when my contract ends here, but I won't be thinking objectively until I've had two or three weeks without training.

"I don't want to make any decisions without knowing for sure how I am and what I want to do able getting back in the ring."

Despite the possible interest from Premier League sides Arteta has professed himself keen on a return to Barcelona, where he began his career in the club's C and B teams before moving to Rangers in 2002.

"I'd love to return to Barcelona after the years I spent there [at La Masia]," he said. "It's funny that since I left I've never played them. I was sorry to miss the first leg, but between the muscle problems, lack of game time and our large squad…let's see what happens now.

"I'd be thrilled to play [against them] because I've not made my Camp Nou debut, oddly enough. I was going to with Real Sociedad, but the match then coincided with my move to Everton and I missed it…then never again."