Home Premier League Arsenal Illaramendi gambles on Arsenal switch

Illaramendi gambles on Arsenal switch

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The Real Madrid midfielder is reportedly unhappy with the amount of time he’s had in action this season and is looking for a move away from the Bernabeu.

Reports from Spain have suggested that Illaramendi was torn between joining Bilbao this month or waiting to see if Arsenal showed any interest in him by the summer.

And Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the 24 year-old will opt to wait for any step up in interest from the Gunners – even if it means he will risk being sidelined for much of the second half of thi season.

The Italian boss said: “He will play on Saturday. He received an offer from Athletic, but the player is comfortable and happy here.

“We’re happy with him, too, because whenever he’s played he’s done well.”

However ÂŁ24m is reportedly enough to see the midfielder out of the club, with Lucas Silva and Martin Odegaard joining Los Blancos.

Ancelotti added: “[Lucas Silva] is in the squad. He’s doing well and may get some minutes.

“We’ll switch to 4-4-2 and James will be given a more attacking role. Bale’s position has changed a little, he’ll play on the left.

“I prefer to have James on the right wing, but other than that it’ll be our usual game.

“Bale is a teammate who can help Odegaard. He needs patience to show his quality and must be given time to improve. We have to manage his talent.

“[The defeat to La Real] was just a moment, we improved after that. The new players just needed time to acclimatise. We’re another Madrid now.

“We have to play with more intensity and defensive pressure. We allow too many counterattacks.”

By Phil Wellbrook

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