THE DEAL to take Mikel Arteta to Atlético Madrid from Rangers is set to be “resurrected” today, according to the player’s agent, Miguel Santos.
The Spanish midfield player has been forced to remain at Ibrox after the Primera Liga side withdrew their interest earlier this summer.
Arteta, who helped Rangers to clinch the domestic Treble last season, has expressed his desire to return to Spain just a year after joining Rangers from Barcelona. But, after Gregorio Manzano, the new Atlético coach, missed out on the capture of Albert Riera, his No 1 target, his focus has switched back to Glasgow.
Riera opted to join the French side Bordeaux last week despite his former manager being desperate to bring him to the Spanish capital.
Atlético would be willing to take Arteta on loan, but, with Rangers also looking to free up money for further moves in the transfer market, a permanent deal would be preferable in Glasgow.
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However, Santos is convinced a new deal can be brokered for Arteta with Atlético following the return to calm at the Spanish club after Jesus Gil, the former club president, stepped down at the end of last seson.
“Until August 30, there will be a chance of Arteta playing at Atlético,” Santos said. “On Monday, the deal could be resurrected now that Atlético have returned to normality.”