Real Madrid have informed Athletic Bilbao that Asier Illarramendi is not keen on leaving the Bernabeu this month, meaning a deal is off.
Los Blancos were ready to pocket the €25m that Athletic Bilbao were prepared to pay to snare the former Real Sociedad man, but the player personally decided to block the deal earlier this week.
Though not a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Illarramendi is not keen on leaving the club this month and has resisted the offer from Athletic Bilbao, who were prepared to give him a contract until 2020.
The only way the player would have left Real Madrid was if he was forced to do so, but the club are not prepared to push him out and according to Marca they have informed Athletic Bilbao the deal cannot proceed.
Though he is not a regular starter, Ancelotti was not prepared to sour his relationship with the player and force him out of the club. The 24-year-old is prepared to fight for his place in the side and is in line for selection against his former club Real Sociedad this weekend.
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The development will come as good news for Arsenal, who are interested in the Basque midfielder, but only want to make a move for him this summer.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made the recruitment of defenders his priority this month.
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