Premier League giants came calling for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic last month.
The Croatia international only joined Barca last summer from Sevilla, but has failed to nail down a regular start under coach Luis Enrique.
El Mundo Deportivo says sensing Rakitic's frustration, Arsenal and Manchester City made enquiries about his availability.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, particularly, made a firm approach to Rakitic's representatives about the prospect of moving to London in January.
However, Rakitic chose to stay and has since been rewarded with more minutes in recent weeks.
