Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has called for midfielder Mikel Arteta to remain at the club.

The Spaniard has spoken of his desire to leave Goodison Park but the Merseyside club are desperate to retain him.

Arteta's current deal does not expire until 2012 and the Toffees have opened talks for a contract extension but the 28-year old may be keen to return to Spain.

Kenwright said the stance of the club was to do what they can to keep Arteta in an Everton shirt.

"We've have spoken to Mikel on a couple of occasions and tried to persuade him his future lies with us," he said.