Atletico drop Arteta interest

Atletico Madrid have lost interest in signing Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta.

Atletico had bid £5m (€7.05m) for the Spaniard but were unable to agree personal terms and now the La Liga side look to have lost patience.

“Arteta is no longer a priority,” said new Atletico coach Gregorio Manzano. “I am happy with my midfield and would prefer to strengthen our defence.”

Arteta is currently with the Rangers squad in Germany and it looks as though he will be starting the new season at Ibrox.

Atletico sporting director Tony Munoz added: “Yes it’s true we have changed our minds about Arteta.

“We have not reached an agreement with Rangers so we have decided to drop him from our list of possible signings.

“It would also have been a problem to cope with his annual salary even though Arteta was willing to take a pay cut to join us.”