Athletic Bilbao have reportedly identified Mikel Arteta as a possible candidate to replace Ander Herrera this summer.
Herrera completed his move to Manchester United on Thursday for a fee believed to be in the region of £30m, and his exit leaves a big hole in Ernesto Valverde's midfield ahead of the new campaign.
According to The Express, Bilbao are prepared to begin negotiations with Arsenal by offering £3m for Arteta, who joined the Gunners in the summer of 2011.
The 32-year-old made 43 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, but it remains unclear whether Arsene Wenger would be willing to let the midfielder depart to make room for new signings.
Arteta has 12 months remaining on his current deal.
