Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi is desperate to force a move through to the Emirates this month, according to the Express.

As reported yesterday, the Gunners were interested in the holding midfielder however Carlo Ancelotti was fast to crush any rumours. Arsenal have been heavily linked with Illarramendi and an apparent bid of around £24million being considered by the North London outfit.

Arsenal have tabled a bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Kevin Grosskreutz, according to The Metro.

The bid is believed to be in the region of £3.7million for the services of the German international.

According to Spanish source Marca, it seems clear that the deal to bring Villarreal’s Gabriel Paulista to the Emirates, is practically done.

The Spanish source have released the figures for the deal, stating the fee to be in or around the €20million mark, higher than what Arsenal were originally willing to pay for the centre back. These payments are said to be spread over several years which meant the Gunners were not meeting the buyout clause of Paulista’s contract.

Arsenal travel to Brighton this weekend looking to build on their impressive win at the Etihad last Sunday. The last time Arsenal played in Brighton it took a late Theo Walcott goal to ensure victory in a tight 2013 FA cup clash.

Getting into the fifth round of the cup is paramount for Arsenal at the moment with the FA cup their only realistic chance of winning silverware this season. In the last round Arsenal put in a routine performance to dispatch Hull and take their place in this round.

Villarreal FC have released their squad for their upcoming game versus Levante at the weekend. It is to be noted that centre-back Gabriel Paulista did not make the 18 man squad for the game.

“The 18-man squad are as follows :
Goalkeepers: Juan Asenjo and Carlos.
Defenders:  Mario, Rukavina, Jaume Costa, Victor Ruiz, Dorado and Musacchio.
Midfielders:  Trigueros, Bruno, Jonathan dos Santos, Pina, Moi Gomez and Nahuel.
Forwards: Uche, Vietto, Gerard Moreno and Giovani.”