Report: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta contacts Ivan Rakitic over potential move

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Mikel Arteta has made contact with Ivan Rakitic as he looks to land the Barcelona midfielder this summer, but the Croatian has informed the Arsenal boss that he is hoping to secure a move elsewhere, according to a report from French outlet Le 10 Sport.

Arteta is gearing up for his first summer at the helm at the Emirates. He has been boosted by the FA Cup final victory which has ensured that the Gunners will be playing in Europe next season.

And it appears that he has looked to celebrate the cup win with a move for Rakitic.

Le 10 Sport reports that the 32-year-old is heading for the Nou Camp exit during this window after making just 16 league starts this past term.

It has been claimed by the report that Arteta himself made an approach to Rakitic about a possible switch to North London.

However, the former Sevilla man reportedly informed Arteta that a move to the Premier League is not a priority as he would rather stay in Spain or move to Italy this summer.

Le 10 Sport’s claim would suggest that Rakitic has not completely shut the door on the possibility of moving to England. However, it does appear unlikely at this stage.

TBR View: Arsenal may not rue Rakitic decision

Rakitic has been one of Europe’s best midfielders for a number of years. However, he turns 33 next year and has fallen down the pecking order with the Catalan giants.

He would surely command a large wage from his next club. So a move could have arguably been deemed a gamble.

On the other hand, Arteta’s stock is so high after this season that many supporters would have surely backed a move if the Arsenal boss did indeed make such a big effort to get Rakitic through the door.

But the Gunners do boast a lot of depth in the middle of the park at the moment. And some fans may wonder whether a move for Rakitic may have had the potential to be a step in the wrong direction.