Brendan Rodgers is reported to have shown his interest in every player and it does not come as a surprise that the Liverpool manager has been keeping tabs on Asier Illarramendi to regain Champions League spot next season.

He was deemed surplus to requirements at the very moment he was presented at Santiago Bernabeu and has never been able to make an impact thanks to the packed roster that Real Madrid boast.

Tired of warming the bench in the Spanish capital, he apparently now seeks a move away in order to get playing time.

Liverpool, who are desperate to add quality to their roster, have been tracking the central midfielder for quite some time now, but Spanish news outlet Fichajes claim that Arsene Wenger may attempt to hijack Liverpool deal to lure him to London.

Arsenal arguably boast the best midfield in the Premier League and there is no reason to believe that the possible acquisition of the former Real Sociedad midfielder would make them any better.

Liverpool, however, will be largely profited in the event of the Scousers reaching an agreement for him.

While it is estimated 29million is to be shelled out to secure the services of the 25-year-old without senior national appearances, Arsenal are rumoured to be closing in on Arturo Vidal, who can be deemed a much better version of Asier Illarramendi, for a bargain price of £21million, despite his immense quality.