Arsene Wenger to challenge Liverpool for the signature of Real Madrid star

06 July 2015 10:17

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are understood to be monitoring the situation of the Real Madrid defensive midfielder understood to be up for sale according to reports.

The report in the Express claims that Real Madrid are prepared to sell Asier Illarramendi with the Spaniard making only ten starts last term for the La Liga outfit after costing £23million in 2013.

The 25-year-old fits the bill with both Arsenal and Liverpool looking for defensive-minded midfield options with the Express citing Marca who claim that Real Madrid are willing to sell with the new boss Rafa Benitez focusing on consolidation and the capture of David De Gea.

The young Spaniard made his name at Real Sociedad where he was the product of the youth system and joined the senior outfit from 2010-2013. After helping his club qualify for the Champions League in 2013 he transferred for a record fee for a Spanish player.

The midfielder signed a six-year contract with the Spanish giants which means he could stay with Real until 2019.

Illarramendi won the 2013 European Championship whilst playing for the under-21 side. He is yet to earn a senior cap for Spain.

Source: DSG