Arteta trained with the Arsenal squad this week, but the 32-year-old is unlikely to be offered a new contract by the club

Arsenal are holding out for £6 million for Mikel Arteta after Fiorentina made an approach to sign the midfielder who has entered the final year of his contract.

The Italian club believe that Arsenal might accept closer to £3.2 million after receiving an indication that they are willing to sell. Fiorentina are ready to offer Arteta a two-year deal. The 32-year-old Spaniard is unlikely to be offered a contract extension by Arsenal, who are trying to do their business early in the transfer window.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has often praised his vice-captain’s ability to retain possession, but Arteta looked pedestrian last season. The midfielder has made nearly 100 league appearances after joining Arsenal on the final day of the transfer window three years