Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tried to lure Everton's Mikel Arteta to the Emirates Stadium as part of a swap deal with the Toffees, according to reports.
Wenger has made contact with the club in an attempt to engineer a move which would see striker Nicklas Bendtner sent to Goodison Park, according to The People.
Wenger, who sees the Spaniard as a direct replacement for former skipper Cesc Fabregas, is understood to be willing to offer £9m if Everton do not agree to the initial proposal.
However, Toffees boss David Moyes remains reluctant to sell any member of his side before the end of the transfer window, after the London club showed earlier interest in defender Phil Jagielka.