Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side are looking at a potential move for Real Madrid's defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi according to reports in Spanish paper Marca, with a lack of first team opportunities forcing the youngster to re-evaluate his stalling career.
The 24-year-old Spaniard was recruited by current Champions League holders Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 for €32.2million from Real Sociedad but has failed to make an impact since his arrival, regularly being left on the bench with boss Carlo Ancelotti preferring Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to anchor his side.
La Liga rivals Athletic Bilbao have expressed an interest in signing the player, but Arsenal's recent enquiries which would mean a summer move away from Madrid has been well received by Illarramendi.
The Spanish U23 international is thought to be happy with the idea of moving to London and could even push talks forward in an attempt to get a deal done in January, rather than waiting until the summer to complete any potential transfer.
Source: DSG
