Athletic Bilbao have made contact with Arsenal for the services of Mikel Arteta and Nacho Monreal, according to reports in Spanish press.
The Basque club have funds to spend after selling Ander Herrera to Manchester United earlier this summer and it is understood that contact has been made regarding the cost of both Arteta and Monreal.
Nacho Monreal has failed to break into the starting eleven at the Emirates stadium since arriving from Malaga in 2013 and is expected to leave the club this summer in either a permanent deal or loan deal.
Mikel Arteta, who joined Arsenal in 2011 and has featured more than his fellow countryman, but with the possible arrival of Sami Khedira or William Carvalho this summer; looks increasingly likely to be sold.
Arteta, who played for Athletic’s rivals Real Sociedad earlier in his career is reportedly keen to return to his homeland but question marks remain over whether he would go against his former employees.