Whilst most Arsenal fan’s attentions have been directed (understandably) to Gonzalo Higuain this week, it was interesting to see the club pick up a link to Real Sociedad’s highly-rated defensive midfielder, Asier Illarramendi.
The Mail claim that he could be available for just £10m and that the Gunners are currently ‘leading the chase’ for his signature. Here’s why Arsenal fans should get excited.
He may not be a marquee name like Higuain, but he would fill a notable gap in this Arsenal side. The Gunners are crying out for a defensive-midfielder. They need a disciplined holding player who can sit back, protect the back four and assert himself in the middle of the park.
They need someone who won’t sit back as midfielders like Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla get roughed up. Someone who can give as good as he gets and make the opposition think twice about committing to a challenge.
Admittedly, Illarramendi isn’t the most physically imposing player. At just 5″9′, he’s no Marouane Fellaini, Victor Wanyama or even Etienne Capoue. But what he lacks in stature, he makes up for in hard-work and discipline. Last season he completed 121 tackles (that’s 13 more than the Gunner’s holding midfielder, Mikel Arteta). He tracks back well, knows when to give away a foul and often makes timely interceptions.
He’s also capable of contributing to the attack. When given the opportunity, he can provide a smart short pass or even deliver a killer ball. I think fans will be pleasantly surprised by his Spanish flair.
At just 23-years-old, he’s certainly an exciting prospect. It’s easy to see why Arsenal may be interested.
Speaking of Mikel Arteta, Illarramendi’s arrival would allow the ex-Everton man to move further up the pitch and start playing to his strengths. Whilst Arteta did a good job last season, he can’t be enjoying the role he’s currently playing. He’s better suited to controlling the play behind the strikers and spoon-feeding them opportunities.
I think it’s fair to say that the arrival of a defensive midfielder like Illarramendi would help to make Arsenal a more balanced side. If he’s available for just £10m, the Gunners would be foolish not to snap him up.
What’s your take? Would you like to see Asier Illarimendi do his thing at the Emirates, or should Arsene Wenger look elsewhere?
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For sure, there are good players that Arsenal can buy for cheap with similar quality to complicated deals of Fellain etc. For example if you buy, Illarramendi and Gonalons for 20 million. Or Illarramendi and Wanyama for 20 million or eva Illarramendi and Mulumbu for 20 million, is far less from 23 mill for just a single player. The quality is almost similar with options increased. One injury does not real bother you because you will definitely have options. I am not in a favour too expensive players with just moderate quality especially when it comes to risks of injuries. I also believe that winning is not about a single player but a collection of players with similar attitudes.
For sure, there are good players that Arsenal can buy for cheap with similar quality to complicated deals of Fellain etc. For example if you buy, Illarramendi and Gonalons for 20 million. Or Illarramendi and Wanyama for 20 million or even Illarramendi and Mulumbu for 20 million, is far less from 23 mill for just a single player. The quality is almost similar with options increased. One injury does not real bother you because you will definitely have options. I am not in a favour too expensive players with just moderate quality especially when it comes to risks of injuries. I also believe that winning is not about a single player but a collection of players with similar attitudes.
I support ur intentions bcos i really don’t believe in over expensive players
Definitely, Illaramendi will be an excellent addition with Arsenal. Please get him…Wenger
Why not making a 10k counter offer on Wanyama and he will obviously choose Arsenal over Southampton
Wenger just get a NATURAL defensive midfielder to help balance the squad/team and it will also help to rest Arteta at periods through the season.
Arsenal need to buy fellanin
He will be a good addition to our team
If wenger couldn’t get Maroune Fellaini, then, he should go Asier Illarimendi.
I like temugunga’s idea. If that illara is just 10m let wenger buy him along with imbalula for less than fella’s price.
We really need some depth on DM Arteta was over used but if 20k can buy 2 DMs well and good. MAy the good deal happen Arsenknows.