Reports emanating from Spain suggest Atletico are keen to recruit Arteta to bolster their chances of a successful Champions League campaign.

The 26-year-old has been with the Toffees since January 2005, when he signed on loan from Real Socieded with a view to a permanent deal.

David Moyes then wrapped up a £2million transfer the following summer, since when Arteta has played a key role for Everton - making over 100 starts and scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

Moyes is desperate to keep hold of his midfield maestro in a bid to improve Everton's own chances of reaching the Champions League in 2009/10.

However, a fee of around £12million would represent a huge profit on Arteta, and Moyes may be put under pressure to accept the sale by the Merseyside club's moneymen.