As we approach the end of the January transfer window things are really beginning to heat up for The Gunners. What defensive talent is Arsene Wenger going to bring in before the window slams shut?
It strikes me that Arsenal are currently on the verge of having a team that could challenge for silverware. If they bulk up at the back, they could go on to achieve something impressive this season (or next).
This brings me to The Express‘s claim that Arsene Wenger has set his sights on a Real Madrid defensive midfielder. Your mind may immediately jump to Sami Khedira (who has been linked with a move to The Emirates for quite some time), but the man in question is actually Asier Illarramendi.
The Spaniard was extremely well rated during his time at Real Sociedad, but since he’s move to Madrid his options have been rather more limited. He’s made 70 appearances over one and a half seasons, which isn’t too bad, but many of these appearances have been as a substitute. He’s not a nailed on starter by any means.
Given that Real Madrid spent £24m on him two summers ago, it strikes me that he’s probably worthy of getting top billing at another club. Perhaps Arsenal is the right place for him.
The aforementioned source claims that Carlo Ancelotti and co. want to recoup the majority of the £24m they paid for him in the first place if he’s to leave The Bernabeu. That puts Illarramendi on the same kind of level (cost-wise) as Morgan Schneiderlin and William Carvalho, two other Arsenal targets.
At 24-years-old, Asier Illarramendi is about to hit his peak. He’s quick along the turf, breaks up opposition play, keeps possession well and is more than capable of turning defense into attack. He’s physically tough, good in the air (for a player of his height) and he makes smart decisions.
In many respects, he’s like a younger Mikel Arteta. Surely that’s got to be appealing to Arsenal fans?
What’s your take? Is Asier Illarramendi the right man for The Gunners?
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