Asier Illarramendi is trying his level best to stay at the Bernabeu until the end of the season by blocking an agreement between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao by refusing to play ball.
Both clubs are close to agreeing a deal worth €25m that would see the Basque midfielder join Athletic Bilbao, but Illarramendi is reluctant to leave Real Madrid this month.
Illarramendi is aware that Lucas Silva’s arrival at the club might curtail his playing time further at the Bernabeu, but according to AS, the player is making a last ditch effort to block a transfer between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. Indeed, the midfielder wants to remain at Real Madrid until the summer before only then assessing his options.
Carlo Ancelotti has not asked the club to sell the midfielder and the player stated last week that he is more than happy to stay at Real Madrid beyond the winter transfer window.
The latest development will come as good news for Arsenal, who are also interested in signing the Spaniard, but are keen to wait until the summer before making a move for Illarramendi.
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The Gunners are more interested in signing defenders this month and want the midfielder to stay at the Bernabeu until the end of the season.
Athletic Bilbao have already drawn up a five-and-half-year contract for the player, but the 24-year-old’s reluctance has put them and Real Madrid in a difficult position this month.
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