Mikel Arteta's agent says the midfielder "deserves better"
than Everton and could quit the club to boost his chances of a
first cap for Spain.
Arteta's oustanding form for the Toffees over the past two
seasons has not been rewarded with a Spanish call and Inaki Ibanez
believes the only reason is that he does not play for one of the
top clubs in Europe.
"Mikel deserves better," the agent said in The Sun.
"If he was at one of the best four clubs in England or Spain he
would be an international."
Arteta has been one of Everton's standout players since moving
to Goodison Park, initially on loan, in January 2005.
He was an instrumental figure as David Moyes' side secured UEFA
Champions League qualification that season, and has gone from
strength to strength over the last couple of years.
Arteta only signed a new long-term contract last year after
speculation linked him with a switch back to La Liga.
Atletico Madrid and Real Zaragoza were both understood to be
interested, while Ibanez's comments suggest there could be more
rumours if Everton fail to qualify for the Champions League this
season.
They are currently five points adrift of Merseyside rivals
Liverpool with just six games of the season remaining.
