Arsenal Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Rumours Grow, Gabriel Paulista Latest

Arsenal are set to go in for Real Madrid defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi as the Spaniard looks likely to depart the Bernabeu.

According to Rhys Turrell in the Daily Star, Los Blancos' imminent signing of Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro will see Illarramendi become surplus to requirements at Real.

The 24-year-old has only ever been a fringe player in Madrid since moving there from Real Sociedad in 2013—he has started just three La Liga games this season per WhoScored.com—and is reportedly also a target for Athletic Bilbao.

However, Arsenal are now being linked with the player and he would be a decent purchase for the Gunners who are short in the defensive midfield area, per La Liga journalist Nicholas Rigg:

Turrell quoted a bid for Illarramendi from Athletic at £20 million with Arsenal likely to have to part with a similar fee if they want to sign him up.

With Mikel Arteta injured and Mathieu Flamini largely underwhelming, the addition of Illarramendi could be a strong move from Arsene Wenger considering his defensive capabilities and passing acumen.

Though things have not worked out for him at Real, he is a quality player who would improve with more game time and Sport Witness reports that the Spaniard is open to a move to the Gunners:

Arsenal's pursuit of Villarreal centre-back Gabriel Paulista continues to be plagued by work permit issues, per the Mirror's James Whaling, and Chisanga Malata in the Daily Star is now reporting that Manchester United are looking to hijack the move.

Both United and Arsenal are in need of further strength in the centre of defence and Paulista is an attractive option, the Brazilian having become a cornerstone of a solid Villarreal back line, per B/R UK's James McNicholas:

Arsenal have long been linked with the 24-year-old, but Malata suggested Louis van Gaal is prepared to match any Gunners offer for the £16 million-rated defender, despite Wenger saying he is closing in on a deal:

"

Talks are progressing well. There is no need to say much more at this stage. Talks are slowly progressing but there is a chance we can strike a deal.

"

The Gunners are currently short in defence having failed to add adequate further strength in the summer and Mathieu Debuchy is set to be out injured for three months.

Thus they need to bring in reinforcements and must fight against any possible United moves to claim Paulista's signature.