Arca happy to stay in Sunderland
Julio Arca has insisted that he is happy at Sunderland amid speculation surrounding his future.
The 23-year-old Argentinian, who was today due to undergo surgery on the damaged knee cartilage which has brought a premature end to his campaign, has blossomed once again under Mick McCarthy to make himself a key member of the team.
However, Arca has just one year left to run on his current contract and there is little doubt that, should the Black Cats not return to the Premiership at the first attempt, there would be serious interest from top flight clubs in acquiring his services.
While he admits that he will not even consider his future until the last ball has been kicked, he is adamant that he is content on Wearside.
“I’m very happy at Sunderland,” he said. “I always have been and I would love to sign a new contract with the club. That is my aim.
“It’s a fantastic club, a big club with great fans and I hope to be here after next year. Everything at the moment is focused on trying to get back in the Premier League, that’s what everyone wants.
“We want to get back to playing in front of 48,000 people. The fans here have always been great to me and I appreciate that.
“I don’t want to leave, but I’m not thinking about contracts or my future until this season is over.”
Arca is hoping to be at the Stadium of Light tonight to watch his side in action against title-chasing Norwich just hours after going under the surgeon’s knife.
Mick McCarthy’s side have stumbled alarmingly after at one point having given themselves a genuine chance of snatching one of the automatic promotion spots.
They have taken just two points from the last 15 on offer, and while they go into tonight’s game lying fourth on goal difference behind West Ham, the lead they once enjoyed over their play-off rivals has now evaporated.
Arca knows there is nothing he can do to help his team-mates other than support from the stands as they attempt to prolong their season.
“I just want to support the lads through the play-offs,” he told the club’s official website, www.safc.com.
“I won’t be able to play, but I’ll still feel a part of it. It’s a blow for me to miss out, but there was no other option. I will support the team as best I can.”
