Li Liga outfit keen to welcome Basque star back home.
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Spanish side Athletic Bilbao are preparing to turn to Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta to step into the void vacated by Ander Herrera after he left for Manchester United this week, according to the Daily Star.
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Herrera completed a £29m switch to Old Trafford yesterday to become Louis Van Gaal’s first signing as United boss.
His exit has now left Bilbao light in the midfield department, and they are now rumoured to be preparing a £3m move for the former Everton star.
The 32-year-old has just 12-months left to run on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium and could be on his way towards the exit as manager Arsene Wenger looks to refresh and reshape his own midfield over the coming weeks.
Reports in Spain claim Bilbao have made Arteta their first choice signing due to his experience and the fact that he fits in with the club’s strict Basque only policy.
Having joined Arsenal in a £10m deal in August 2011 after a six-year spell with Everton, he collected his first piece of silverware with the club last season when he helped lift the FA Cup.
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