Arsenal are keen to beat Liverpool to the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, according to reports.
Illarramendi has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent weeks, with the midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric keeping the Spaniard out of Real Madrid’s starting XI.
The arrivals of Inter Milan star Mateo Kovacic will likely send Illarramendi even further down the pecking order at the club, and Mundo Deportivo [via Bleacher Report] suggest the Gunners are keen to lure the deep-lying midfielder to the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger will have a fight on his hands however, with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers also reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old.
Illarramendi joined Real Madrid from Real Sociedad in a £23m deal in 2013 and has made 59 La Liga appearances for the Los Blancos.
Real Sociedad are also believed to be interested in bringing its former star back to the club, though it is understood the Spanish club will not be able to match bids put forward by Arsenal and Liverpool.
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