Arsenal fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are downcast after hearing the news in Metro that their chances of signing Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi are getting slimmer and slimmer.
This came after the Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti made it clear that the 24-year-old was still part of his plans, effectively ruling out the chances of a January exit.
Illarramendi has found it tough breaking into the first team at the Bernabeu since his move from Real Sociedad in 2013 and this lack of first team football has led to rumours of a departure to Arsenal.
“He is a player of Real Madrid and though it’s true he hasn’t played much, we still have confidence in him,’ said Ancelotti.
“He’s important in the locker room.”
It has been suggested that Arsene Wenger has made a formal offer for the Spanish midfielder but after Ancelotti confirmed his intentions with the player, it is set to be dismissed.
Despite these comments made by Ancelotti, apparently Illarramendi is still not convinced about his long-term prospects with Los Blancos and would be open to a move to the Gunners.
