Gunners drop Arteta interest

Sky Sports sources understand that Arsenal have ended their interest in signing Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta.

Wenger ends chase of Toffees playmaker

Sky Sports sources understand that Arsenal have ended their interest in signing Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta. Reports on deadline day suggested that the Gunners had turned their attention to the Spaniard after losing Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. Arsene Wenger is keen to cover the loss of considerable technical ability and was believed to have made Arteta his top target. It was claimed that an offer of cash-plus-Nicklas Bendtner had been knocked back by the Toffees, but that the Gunners were still prepared to fund a deal. A £10million bid was touted, with Wenger having plenty of money to play with as the clock ticks down on the summer window. It is, however, understood that Arsenal have now dropped their interest and will not be pressing ahead with a move for Arteta.