Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Loic Perrin and Asier Illarramendi

Saint Etienne centre-back Loic Perrin has attempted to salvage his proposed move to Arsenal in light of the Gunners' acquisition of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista.

Will Giles of the Metro says Perrin was strongly tipped to swap French football for the Premier League as Arsene Wenger looked to purchase him in order to strengthen his back four.

However, Giles quotes the player speaking about his disappointment to Canal Plus at not already being a Gunner, and Perrin is now pessimistic about his chances of arriving at the Emirates:

"

My agent had serious contact with Arsenal before Christmas. There has been no more news since then and as such my departure has been compromised. It’s not a good sign.

"

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

It appears Wenger is satisfied he has solved his defensive issues with the signing of Paulista for £11 million, per Giles, and surely any deal for Perrin is now dead.

The 29-year-old might still be drafted in with Paulista—given Arsenal's injury problems this term—but he would find it difficult to displace the newly signed Brazilian or Wenger's more established defenders.

Perrin has featured 18 times for his club in the French league and Europe this season, per WhoScored.com, and would have brought an experienced head to Wenger's squad.

And it seems Saint Etienne supporters will be happy to retain the defender, who seems to be a very popular individual among the fanbase, as highlighted by BeIN Sports' Matt Spiro:

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The Arsenal boss is now likely to focus his attentions further up the field and recruit bodies for his midfield or attack.

And one player who is said to be "desperate" to join the Gunners is Real Madrid's highly rated midfielder, Asier Illarramendi.

Ben Jefferson of the Express reports a £24 million deal could be in the pipeline for the young Galactico as Wenger looks to capture one of Spain's up-and-coming talents.

The 24-year-old has struggled in the Spanish capital this term, and if he becomes available, a host of clubs will be interested in his services.

The arrival at Los Blancos of Lucas Silva from Cruzeiro will definitely threaten the Spaniard's game time further—possibly pushing him out of Florentino Perez's revolving door.

Jefferson explains Athletic Bilbao have tabled an £18.5 million bid for the player in recent weeks, but the lure of the Premier League could turn Illarramendi's head.

But the writer says Arsenal may hold off until the summer to make a move, and it is debatable whether the player will wait for them to come calling if a January option materialises. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Illarramendi is an outstanding prospect, and he will shine in whichever team captures him on this occasion. He is perfect for Arsenal's midfield with his skill set and would give Wenger a more balanced option in the centre.

The player has exceptional skill and passing ability, and he would revel in Wenger's philosophy of pass and move.

But he also has the defensive tendencies that Arsenal are craving, and at the quoted price, he could be an exceptional bargain.

Wenger should do his best to capture the Spain international if he has the chance, because he is sure to shine when he is established at his next team.