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.

Illarramendi has struggled to make an impression at the Bernabeu since his move two years ago. It has proved difficult for him to gain regular first team football since his big money switch from Real Sociedad. Reports were circulating in Spain that Arsenal were looking to capture the midfielder in the summer however Asier is hoping for a move this window following Real Madrid’s latest addition.

Los Blancos have recently announced the signing of Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva, a signing which will push Illarramendi even further down Madrid’s pecking order. The announcement of this signing may just be the deciding factor on Asier’s future as it is now believed his chances of breaking into the first team have fallen greatly.

Arsenal are not the only team interested however. Athletic Club Bilbao are said to have lodged a bid of around £18.5million. Illarramendi is keen for the switch to Arsenal however he may not wish to wait the next six months on the bench and instead make the move to Bilbao.

Real want the issue to be dealt with as soon as possible however Ancelotti has stated he would like to keep the Spain international. This would be a great signing for Arsenal if they could capture him. He’s the exact player Arsenal need and would link up well with the Arsenal style of play.

It’s all down to Illarramendi at this point. It’s up to him to wait if Arsenal comes in for him this window or in the summer otherwise; we could be seeing him in a Bilbao shirt instead.