Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky say farewell to the Emirates ahead of summer exits

Arsene Wenger has bemoaned the loss of 'two exceptional football players'

(Getty)

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal captain, and Tomas Rosicky will both leave the club this summer upon the expiration of their contracts.

Arteta, who joined the club in 2011 from Everton, struggled to hold back the tears as he waved goodbye to the Emirates following Sunday’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

The Spaniard was denied the pleasure of capping off his final appearance with a goal, when a late effort struck the crossbar and bounced in off goalkeeper Mark Bunn for an own goal.

Rosicky, whose time in north London has been plagued by injury, was unavailable for selection on Sunday as he recovers from knee surgery.

The Czech Republic international appeared after the game to say farewell to the club’s supporters and was given a rousing ovation.

“It was a very sad day for me yesterday not being able to pick [Rosicky] to be in the squad today because there was something at stake,” said Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, after the game.

“We lose him. We lose Arteta – two exceptional football players but also two leaders in the dressing room. I am convinced that in the bad periods they were a positive influence on the squad and we will miss them next season.”

Mathieu Flamini, another player whose contract at the Emirates expires this summer, was also absent from the matchday squad.

Speaking prior to the game on Friday, Wenger all but confirmed the Frenchman’s exit alongside Arteta and Rosicky, saying: “Mathieu Flamini has been an extremely strong leader on the pitch and off the pitch. We lose three big personalities.”