Moyes fears Everton exodus after Arteta sale

David Moyes fears Mikel Arteta’s deadline day transfer to Arsenal could set a dangerous precedent for Everton’s other top stars to move.

Phil Jagielka and Marouane Fellaini have been linked with moves away from Goodison Park, while there has often been speculation over the long-term future of England prospect Jack Rodwell, but Moyes is hopeful of holding on to his remaining key players.

“Yes, there is a danger that selling Mikel could set a precedent, but I hope not,” Moyes said on Thursday.

“I would like to think we can hang on to our best players.”

“But there is always a danger when someone goes after saying they want to leave that it could set a precedent, and we will have to be careful of that.”

Aside from Arteta, Everton have also seen Steven Pienaar depart, with the South African moving to Tottenham in January.

Moyes claimed that Arteta’s move was due to the Spaniard’s desire to play Champions League football, while Jagielka, Fellaini, Rodwell and others are thought to be being monitored by clubs in the competition.

Everton have had much publicised problems with their finances but chairman Bill Kenwright has insisted that only the right deal for the club will lead to a takeover.