Arsenal look set to make a move for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi. The news comes after a flurry of reports from Spain claim that the Spaniard is looking for a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after just a couple of years at the club.

Arsenal and Liverpool are two clubs touted to move for the 25-year-old, however it is thought the lure of the Champions League and the higher chance of silverware means Illarra would prefer a move to the Emirates.

Popular Spanish media outlet Fichajes.net, a source that is fairly reliable, have claimed that the Gunners will challenge Liverpool to complete the transfer of Illarramendi, who has recently been dubbed by Liverpool fans as the next Xabi Alonso.

Illarramendi has struggled for game time at Real Madrid since joining in 2013. The €32.2 million man has made just over 50 appearances for Los Blancos, and is contending with stiff competition repeatedly. He has now been deemed surplus to requirements, and will look to leave the club this summer.

Liverpool looked favourites to sign the defensive midfielder, but it now seems as if Arsenal will be the club to take on the former Spanish U21 international.

Arsenal’s search for a defensive midfielder has so far been largely unsuccessful, with Morgan Schneiderlin and Arturo Vidal seemingly unwilling to join the north Londoners. Illarramendi though, could be the key to Arsenal’s worries.