Arraste responds to claims Illarramendi is leaving Sociedad.
With Real Madrid joining Arsenal in pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi the youngster’s manager Jagoba Arraste insists the Spaniard is going nowhere.
Both the Gunners and Madrid have shown significant interest in the Spain under-21 international with the midfielder having impressed both internationally and domestically – with club side Sociedad finishing fourth in La Liga ahead of Valencia and Malaga.
Although Arraste is realistic about the interest in Illarramendi the coach is adamant the 23-year-old will not be sold.
“We are not going to negotiate for him. He is not for sale. The club has made it clear, and I think the player has too, that we are not going to discuss hypothetical situations,” the Sociedad boss was quoted on Sky Sports.
“Illarramendi has said he is very happy here and I have talked to him about in person and is very excited about the coming season.
“There is no plan B for us with him and he will be with us for pre-season training on Thursday.”
It seems from Arraste’s comments that Arsenal and Los Blancos will have no luck in landing the coveted central midfielder, although clubs of the pair’s calibre can often be hard to resist for players.
This has been shown by Madrid’s capture of Malaga youngster Isco and Illarramendi could change his mind, despite Sociedad having qualified for Champions League football for the 2013/14 season.
The Spaniard broke into the club’s first team in 2010, but last campaign was by far the youngster’s most prolific, starting 32 league matches and providing two assists.
Watch this amazing piece of skill from Illarramendi at the recent under-21 Euros:
COMMENTS