Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly made personal contact with Ivan Rakitic as he aims to convince the Barcelona star to move to the Emirates.
Rakitic, 32, is linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer after a glittering six-year spell in Catalonia. The midfielder played a vital role as Barcelona won the treble in his first season with the club and he has since won a further three La Liga and Copa del Rey titles.
But Rakitic has fallen down the pecking order in the last season and has made just 20 starts across all competitions. As he enters the final year of his deal, Barcelona are willing to let Rakitic leave for just €10million (£9million) and Arteta has been in touch to persuade the Croatian to move to north London.
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