Arsenal’s Arteta pursuit under threat as Malaga and Valencia jump into fray

Arsenal’s pursuit of Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta may not materialise as reports from Spain indicate that both Malaga and Valencia are interested in securing the former Rangers star’s services. Arteta is valued at around £10m, and Everton face immense pressure to sell one of their more bankable stars because of the current financial problems at Goodison Park that have severely hindered the Toffees’ ability to buy players in the current transfer window.

Arsenal have been linked with several players since the double departure of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas to City and Barca respectively. Yann M’Villa and Eden Hazard, both plying their trade in France’s Ligue 1 are the two other targets, but both would cost more than Arteta, who is seen as a more value for money signing by the Gunners.

Malaga are flush with money following their takeover by Qatari parties and Valencia have money to splash following the sale of Juan Mata to Chelsea.