Mikel Arteta is wanted by Spanish side Athletic Bilbao (Picture: Getty)

Athletic Bilbao want to sign Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta to replace the Manchester United-bound Ander Herrera.

The La Liga club are gearing up for life without Herrera after he bought himself out his contract to join United.

And Marca reports in Spain suggest Arteta is Bilbao’s number one target to replace the pass-master, with a £3million bid likely in the coming weeks.

Arteta was a regular in the Arsenal side last season, making 43 appearances in all competitions, but he has seen many fans turn against him after a string of poor performances.


Arteta has just 12 months left on his contract (Picture: Getty)

The 32-year-old has just 12 months left on his current contract and while Arsene Wenger has hinted at an extension, there have been no talks to date.



A move for San Sebastian-born Arteta would be controversial for Bilbao, with the midfielder previously playing for their Basque rivals Real Sociedad.

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