Arsenal bid for Real Madrid star

Arsenal have made an offer for Real Madrid's out-of-favour midfielder Asier Illaramendi, according to a report.

The talented midfielder joined Los Blancos from Real Sociedad last summer, and has since failed to cement his place in the first-team on a regular basis.

Spanish source Marca claims that the Gunners have made a bid for the player's services, with manager Arsene Wenger having a defensive midfielder at the top of his priority list.

However, it is unlikely that the former Spain Under-23 international will leave the Bernabeu before the end of the season.