Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made a move for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatia international, 32, has been weighing up his options at the Nou Camp, though is refusing to simply be offloaded by the Catalans. Rakitic has refused to be part of swap proposals involving PSG and Inter Milan over the last six months.
However, he could yet choose to leave this summer and while he favours a return to Sevilla, contact with Arteta has turned his head.
Mundo Deportivo says Arteta has called Rakitic directly to declare his interest and set out his plans for him within Arsenal’s system.
The Basque rates Rakitic highly and believes his experience in the middle of midfield is just what his FA Cup winners require next season.
For their part, Barca won’t stand in Rakitic’s way should he choose to leave.