MIKEL ARTETA approached Ivan Rakitic about a move to Arsenal – but the Barcelona star still wants to reign in Spain.
The Croatia midfielder is believed to prefer a switch to Sevilla and stay in the Spanish sunshine in a deal worth just £9million.
Midfielder Rakitic has lifted the Champions League and LaLiga titles with Barca.
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But Nou Camp chiefs wants to offload him and his big weages.
They are cost cutting amid huge financial problems caused by the coronavirus.
He has only one year left on his Nou Camp deal and Barca need to sell him this summer.
Rakitic does not fancy playing in England.
The 32-year-old midfielder, offered to Juventus earlier this year, would like to go back to Sevilla.
Rakitic, also wanted by Manchester United and Spurs had three years at Sevilla.
He quit in 2014 for Barca, where he has been for six years.
French media claim Gunners boss Arteta telephoned Rakitic direct.
But the Croatian is not too keen.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Rakitic wants to go to Sevilla.
He wants to end his career at the Andalucian club.
Rakitic has previously said: “It would be a great dream to return to Sevilla.”
He could spent four more seasons in southern Spain.
