Arsenal could have to pay up to €30 million if they are to sign Spanish enforcer.
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi, with Spanish publication Marca indicating that he will carry a hefty price tag.
The sports daily report that although interest is high in Sociedad’s midfield jewel, reports of a €12m move to north London are likely wide of the mark, with Illarramendi’s club holding out for his full €30 million release clause.
Having played an integral role in his side’s impressive season which saw them achieve Champions League qualification, the Gunners face competition in their bid to sign Illarramendi, with Real Madrid and Barcelona also reportedly tracking the player.
The Spanish giants may be more open to stumping up the €30million asking price quoted, with both sides more accustomed to paying such huge fees.
Having just scraped Champions League football once again last campaign, Arsenal are looking to build on a squad of young talent, with Illarramendi perhaps being the holding midfielder Wenger’s side have been missing since Alex Song departed for Barcelona back in August of 2012.
Whilst already strong in the midfield department, bringing in a hard tackling ball distributor like Illarramendi would free up the talents of Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla to play their respective natural roles.
Just how much Arsenal are willing to stump up for the talented Spaniard may be dependent on other transfer targets, with Wenger’s main focus seemingly being a big money move for Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain.
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