Arsenal Target Blocked By La Liga Giants, Claims Athletic Bilbao President

Athletic Bilbao’s president Joseph Urrutia has revealed that La Liga Giants Real Madrid has blocked Arsenal and Bilbao target Asier Illarramendi from leaving the club in this winter transfer window.

Illamendi hardly started matches for the club since his arrival in 2013. In the first season, he was overlooked due to the presence of Xabi Alonso and when he left, Toni Kroos’ arrival meant that Illara had to wait longer to cement his place in the XI.

Athletic’s president Urrutia has now revealed that Real Madrid blocked Illarramendi from leaving during the recently concluded transfer window.

Urrutia said,

 “There was interest from Athletic in players, although it was focused on Illarramendi. I think that he was not given the opportunity. If Real Madrid had wanted to get rid of Illarramendi, he would be out. Their coach has said it.”

Few days back, when asked, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said that the player received an offer from Bilbao and the vlub rejected it because he is comfortable and happy playing for Real Madrid.

According to reports, Illara is targeted by various clubs including La Liga rivals Bilbao, Italian giants Inter Milan, English league rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. Illara has said that he is happy at Real Madrid and he wants to continue his career for Los Blancos. He might be given on loan some top European club in the future.