by Josh Jones
Arsenal are reportedly close to completing the signing of Real Sociedad’s Asier Illarramendi for £10million.
The defensive midfielder is currently away with the Spanish under-21 side who play Italy in the European Championship final tonight, so a deal is only in its early stages.
The club have made a holding midfielder one of their highest priorities and view the Sociedad man as their number one target for the position.
Whether Illarramendi will want to leave the Spanish club this summer is questionable, with his side qualifying for the Champions League after a brilliant 2012/13 campaign.
The talented youngster has also attracted interest from the Madrid duo of Real and Atletico and it is believed he would prefer to stay in Spain.
Arsenal summer
After many summers of massive names being linked with Arsenal, this could be the year the club finally bring in those star players.
For once it appears the fans of the Gunners won’t be disappointed with their summer incomings, whilst for a change none of their key performers appear to be leaving the club.
Arsenal are close to completing their first signing of the season in the form of Gonzalo Higuain.
The striker was also being pursued by Juventus, however the Italian club have changed their mind and now favour a move for Carlos Tevez.
Arsenal have bid £22million for the striker and some reports even suggest a deal will be done before the end of the week.
The move would be quite the coup for the club, with Higuain exactly what the club need.
