Arsenal Transfer News: Mikel Arteta Transfer Saves Arsene Wenger

After the departures of captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, as well as big moves from the other Premier League contenders, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger desperately needed to find a star midfielder for a club coming off an 8-2 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United.

And that he did.

Wenger was able to acquire none other than Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, a player who has become a star on the pitch throughout the years. This came after Everton had reportedly previously rejected a bid from Arsenal for the 29-year-old.

But with time ticking, Wenger came through in a big way for Gunners fans, the same fans that have blasted him this transfer window for his apparent lack of interest in keeping up with the rest of the Premier League. Wenger was able to secure a £10 million deal for Arteta just minutes before the transfer deadline.

Arteta has become well known for his his ball skills, and his set-piece skills have proven to be among the best in all of England. You add in his superior scoring ability and his game-changing passing prowess, and you have yourself a complete player.

Perhaps what is more shocking about his departure from Everton is the fact that Wenger, who just days ago was being blasted, was the manager who landed him.

However, the prospect of being able to play Champions League soccer for one of the premier midfielders in the game was too enticing to pass up.

Said Everton manager David Moyes, via ESPN:

"

"Mikel indicated to me that he wished to join Arsenal if a bid came in.

"I am very disappointed to lose him but the prospect of Champions League football was something I wasn't able to offer him."

"

Wenger teetered on the edge of this transfer window, but when all was said and done, he did what he needed to do to fix the gaping hole left by the departures of Fabregas and Nasri.

As bad as it looked for him in the beginning, Gunners fans should be inviting him back into their good graces right now. Arsenal may still be an acquisition or two from being a legitimate contender in the top four, but Arteta is certainly a player who can help close the gap.

After a heart-wrenching deadline day, Wenger can rest easy...at least until Arsenal faces United again.