Arsenal looking at £10m midfielder labelled ‘the next Xabi Alonso’ – statistics and video

Arsenal are set to secure a deal for Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain in a deal worth around £22m but the Daily Mail are reporting that they are staying in La Liga for their next signing, Real Sociedad’s Asier Illarramendi.

The midfielder has previously been labelled as the next Xabi Alonso, which will whet the appetite of the Gunners fans, but  the likeness is perhaps more because they both progressing through the Sociedad youth ranks than the finer details in their play.

Illarramendi is a more aggressive, energetic defensive midfielder than Alonso but both portray a composed feeling when on the ball and floating long range passes  to teammates.

The 23-year-old appeared in 32 games for La Real last term as they finished fourth in the table on the final day securing Champions League football for next season. He created 31 opportunities for his colleagues, made five defensive actions per game on average and concluded the season with a pass success of 81%.

The Spaniard has represented his country from U17 level all the way up to U23 and as he continues to impress his chances for a spot in the senior side only grows stronger, although he is arguably competing to break into the greatest midfield on the planet.