According to Spanish sports daily Marca, Liverpool has made an offer for Real Madrid holding midfielder Asier Illarramendi ahead of Arsenal after learning that the 25-year-old may be available this summer.
Just the other day Illarramendi, who is often compared with Xabi Alonso spoke of his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu despite being offered limited chances to play saying: ‘I have a contract here and I am very happy. I had a bit of difficulty adapting last year.’
‘However, now I am very happy here in the city and with my team-mates. Of course, I would like to stay here.
Arsene Wenger is also known to be a fan, but with talks under way with Sporting Lisbon for William Carvalho it appears as if the Gunners boss is keeping all options open.
Illarramendi joined Real Madrid from Real Sociedad two years ago, but has failed to become a regular in trainer Carlo Ancelotti’s team leading to speculation that Real Madrid would be willing to accept £23 million for the man who could become Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Anfield or Mikel Arteta’s at the Emirates.
