Arteta: I can't replace Cesc

Published Oct. 7, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

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Fabregas blossomed into one of the Premier League's brightest stars during his time with the Gunners before sealing a dream return to boyhood club Barcelona over the summer. Having also lost Samir Nasri to Manchester City, Arsene Wenger was in need of creative reinforcements as the transfer window drew to a close and swooped for Everton's Arteta just before the deadline. Arteta has made a promising start to his Emirates Stadium career but knows his limitations and does not feel there is any chance of him performing to the same level as Fabregas. "I am not here to replace Cesc and I would be wrong to try that," said Arteta, who will try and help Arsenal recover from a poor start to the season in his own way. "Cesc was the best player at Arsenal and one of the top three in the entire Premier League. "I have no aim to become that. My target is simply to try to reach my highest level as a player and to help the team. "Cesc was at Arsenal for seven years. I have been here for a few weeks. If I try to be equal to or better than him, I would be confusing myself. "We're different personalities with a different style. I must find my own way to do well for Arsenal." While Arsenal are currently beneath Everton in the Premier League table, Arteta has no regrets about his summer switch as he felt it was the right thing for his career. Recalling the events of August 31, he said "There was a lot of stress and uncertainty on deadline day. At three o'clock, I thought I was an Arsenal player then, at 6pm, it was all off. "At 8.30, the move was back on again but there was no time for me to have a medical. "I went to Arsenal's offices and told them they had to trust me. "Then, at 11.10, when they were registering my transfer with the Premier League, the fax machine broke down. "Thankfully, everything went well in the end. "David Moyes understood my situation with Everton. When we got the offer from Arsenal on August 31, he looked into my eyes and said, 'You want to go, don't you?' "I told him this was my big chance and that the club would be getting a big cash injection by selling me, so it was best for both parties."