Arsenal have made an opening bid in its attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, according to reports.
Busquets has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, and Metro [via Fichajes] reports the Gunners have made a £24.4m bid for the 27-year-old.
The report suggests Barcelona are keen to hang onto the holding midfielder, and Arsenal are preparing to put more money on the table should the Catalan giants refuse the opening offer.
The Gunners are reportedly willing to meet the Spanish international’s wage demands, however Fichajes claims Busquets is keen to remain at the Camp Nou.
Arsene Wenger is understood to be keen to strengthen his midfield this summer despite a superb breakout season from Francis Coquelin last term.
Arsenal are not short of funds this summer, with club director Lord Harris last week suggesting Wenger had a £200m war chest to use in the transfer market.
Busquets has made 212 La Liga appearances for the Catalan giants since making his first-team debut in 2008.
SEE ALSO:
Man United & Chelsea target Zlatan Ibrahimovic says next move will be a ‘BIG SURPRISE’
Arsenal HOLD TALKS over £8.5m Man United target
Man United FLOP to complete £44m PSG move within next 48 HOURS
COMMENTS