Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool are preparing to enter talks with Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
Madrid manager Rafael Benitez is keen to get rid of the 25-year-old after announcing Mateo Kovacic as their latest signing today.
Spanish newspaper Deportivo Mundo say English giants Arsenal and Liverpool are ready to enter private talks with Illarramendi and his representatives.
The former Spain U23 international arrived at the Bernabeu in 2013 and made 41 appearances for the Spanish giants last term.
However, the midfielder has been replaced by Crostia international Kovacic’s £25million signing from Italian side Inter Milan.
The Merseysiders are known to be after the defensive midfielder’s signature as they want a replacement for departed veteran Steven Gerrard.
Reds gaffer Brendan Rodgers is looking to offload current holding midfielder Lucas, after a row broke out with the 28-year-old but Rodgers wants to bring someone in place first.
Deportivo Mundo also say that the Gunners will make a lucrative offer for the 5ft 10in starlet, who will compete for a place in their midfield alongside Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin.
Madrid value Illarramendi at £16million – which is easily inside their duo’s budgets.
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
