Source: Northern_Echo
EXCLUSIVE - Arca agrees new Middlesbrough deal
JULIO Arca is set to complete a remarkable weekend U-turn and sign a new contract to remain at Middlesbrough.[LNB] Arca left Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground with his personal possessions on Thursday afternoon after talks over a new deal broke down.[LNB] The Argentinian became a free agent at the start of the summer, but despite Tony Mowbray expressing a desire to retain his services, the two parties were initially unable to reach an agreement.[LNB] As a result, Arca was approached by a number of Championship clubs on Friday morning, including Boro's opponents this weekend, Leeds United, and had been expecting to talk terms with some of them later today.[LNB] However, he was persuaded to attend the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, and met Mowbray again after watching Boro kick off their Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw with Portsmouth.[LNB] A second round of talks proved much more productive, and Arca agreed personal terms late on Saturday night.[LNB] An issue over an outstanding payment from the midfielder's previous contract is still to be resolved, but provided there are no unforeseen problems, a deal should be concluded shortly.[LNB] The news will be a major boost to Mowbray, who was forced to play full-back Joe Bennett as an out-of-position midfielder at the weekend because of a lack of options on the left-hand side.[LNB] Arca will also be delighted at the developments, as his initial decision to return to training with Boro stemmed from a desire to remain in the North-East.[LNB] The South American is settled in the region and has already rebuffed an opportunity to return to his homeland with Boca Juniors.[LNB]
