Liverpool Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Latest Amid Arsenal, Spurs Rumours
Liverpool are set to face significant competition from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
According to Joe Short of the Daily Express, Spanish outlet Deportivo Mundo are reporting Liverpool and Arsenal are set to bid for the Spaniard, who could be acquired for £16 million.
Further, AS relay La Gazzetta dello Sport's report that Juve have made an enquiry regarding a transfer, and the Evening Standard's Tom Collomosse notes Spurs "are also believed to be monitoring the situation."
On Tuesday, Bleacher Report columnist and Spanish football expert Guillem Balague noted the clubs are yet to make a move on the midfielder:
The 25-year-old is unlikely to feature much at the Bernabeu this season due to the wealth of options available to manager Rafael Benitez in the midfield, with Mateo Kovacic's arrival from Inter Milan representing another sizeable obstacle in the Spaniard's way.
According to Squawka, Illarramendi has shown his quality as a defensive midfielder in previous seasons, particularly when given more significant playing time and the opportunity to win more duels.
However, football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes the fee Real want for the player is too high:
The Reds are yet to adequately replace Steven Gerrard, but likewise, the addition of James Milner means they aren't desperate for another central midfielder this summer.
At Arsenal, the Spaniard would provide valuable competition for Francis Coquelin as the Gunners' holding midfielder, but for a club with title ambitions, there are stronger options—the same applying to Juventus.
Spurs would perhaps benefit the most from Illarramendi's arrival, as he would likely offer an upgrade on current options Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb.
However, Hernandez is right; the fee noted by Short is certainly on the steep side.
As the transfer window draws to a close, though, he may be available for less as Los Blancos seek to get him off of their books. Don't rule out a move for the Spaniard.
