Arsenal have made an offer to Real Madrid to sign Asier Illaramendi at the end of the season, according to sources in Spain.
The 24-year-old Spaniard joined Real Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2013 for £24 million but has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up. And with the La Liga giants recently recruiting Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro, Illaramendi has become surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu and looks certain to leave this summer.
Spanish publication Marca claim Athletic Bilbao are also interested in the holding midfielder and have tabled a better offer than the Gunners. But he is believed to be keen on a move to the Emirates and live in London rather than stay in Spain.
But despite being out-of-favour at Real, Illaramendi, who still has four-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract, is not thinking about leaving the Galacticos this month and will review his options over the summer.
Illaramendi has made 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season, nine of which he started.
Sign him!