Marca claims we're in for Illarramendi

We were linked to Asier Illarramendi last summer. He's a 24-year old Spanish defensive midfielder in the Arteta-mould (medium-built somewhat defensive-minded CM more than a brute force DM). Marca have some pretty good arguments as to why he might arrive:

• Real Madrid have had a successful bid for young Brazilian DM Lucas Silva, who they want to use as first choice DM

• Illarramendi hasn't exactly been given a fair chance at Real Madrid, and he hasn't dazzled the manager or the crowd on the few occasions he's been on the pitch

• Athletic Bilbao has offered €25m, which Real Madrid has accepted, but Illarramendi doesn't seem interested in trading down in the Spanish league

• Marca claim Arsenal's offer from before he joined Real Madrid still stands, and that he is interested...but for that to happen he probably needs to wait until the summer

• Although the offer still stands from Arsenal, there is no way Arsenal would match Athletic Bilbao's €25m offer...Arsenal are probably more interested around the €10-15m mark

• However, Real Madrid would prefer Athletic Bilbao as Illarramendi's destination for obvious reasons (more money and a January move)