The former Barcelona man heaped praise on the Arsenal captain, who has scored 11 times this season.
“He is up there with the best three or four players I have ever played with, a natural talent,” Arteta told the Arsenal website.
“There is no effort when he plays. He scores goals and plays beautifully.
“As a captain he is a really nice person who tries to help people. We are pleased we have got him.”
