Manchester City are ready to loosen their purse strings yet again and make a £20million bid for Everton’s Mikel Arteta. Their interest in Arteta is believed to in addition to the desire to get James Milner to Eastlands, as they look to overhaul their midfield completely before the start of the next season. City will face stiff competition from Arsenal for Arteta’s signature. Arsenal consider the 28-year-old former Barcelona trainee to be an ideal replacement for Cesc Fabregas, who might be on his way to Nou Camp.
Arteta has evolved into one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League. David Moyes signed him for £2m from Sociedad five years ago and he hasn’t looked back since. Arteta has been ever present in Everton’s midfield and has scored 23 times in 131 appearances.
With Everton finishing eighth in the Premier League and with no Europe to look forward to, Moyes will have to less key personnel in order to garner finances for new players. Moyes has managed to tie down United target and Arteta’s midfield partner Jack Rodwell to the club and hopes that the same could be achieved with the Spaniard.
Everton, on the other hand, are interested in Craig Bellamy and Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.
Also Get the very Latest Football Transfer News, Rumours and Gossip direct to your email.