%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
What do Real Madrid’s Latest Transfer Actions mean for Arsenal?
By Josh Sippie
Leave it to Real Madrid to throw seventeen wrenches into everyone’s plans a week before the transfer window closes. Los Blancos went out and signed 25 million pound Mateo Kovacic, who now joins Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Casemiro in an incredibly clustered midfield.
More from Pain in the Arsenal
- 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
- 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
- 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
- Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
- 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
Given that Arsenal have had several different Real Madrid inquisition parties on hand at any given time, what does that mean for all of our prospects still hanging out at Santiago Bernabeu?
Well, lets get the easy one out of the way. For Karim Benzema, it means absolutely nothing. According to various sources, Arsenal are ready to make a surprise of the Liverpool match up by introducing Karim Benzema but there is very little conclusive evidence that would suggest that. Until we see him left out of Real Madrid’s side, I would be hesitant to draw anything out of this horrid rumor.
But then there are the midfield links. Arsenal have been linked to Isco and Asier Illaramendi in the past and both of them figure to be a bit befuddled by the latest acquisition. Neither one has found their time at the Bernabeu particularly appealing either, so a move may be hastened by the newest acquisition.
Lets start with Isco.
The young Spanish superstar-to-be is a fan favorite but Real Madrid still appear hesitant to make him a bonafide starter, as replacements are constantly purchased, leaving Isco nowhere to ply his trade. When he does get his chances, he absolutely crushes them, but the chances are few and far between.
Isco would not be cheap, but the price may be dropping if Real Madrid do not plan on using him.
What makes the Arsenal appeal so strong is that Isco and Santi Cazorla had a strong partnership at Malaga before being split up and who doesn’t want to be reunited with Santi Cazorla? I know I do.
However, all that being said, a transfer for Isco still appears very unlikely. With a steep price tag and with Isco playing a position that Arsenal have in surplus, its a long shot.
More from Arsenal Transfer Rumours
- Arsenal Transfers: Emile Smith Rowe could leave club before summer deadline
- Arsenal Transfers: Gabriel will not be leaving this summer
- Why Arsenal could sell Folarin Balogun to London rivals
- 5 defenders Arsenal could sign after Jurrien Timber injury
- Why was Kieran Tierney left out of Arsenal’s matchday squad?
Asier Illaramendi and Denis Cheryshev both failed to make the Real Madrid team that is headed for their first La Liga match up on Sunday and you have to believe that they are on the out. While Cheryshev would be a bargain buy, the fact that he plays the same position as Alexis makes him impractical to Arsene Wenger, despite his overwhelmingly positive qualities.
Illaramendi was reportedly offered to Arsenal, but sources indicate that Wenger waved him off. However, for just 16.5 million pounds, Arsenal have to at least be considering what the Madrid outcast could bring to the squad.
The Spaniard is a defensive midfielder, and we know how much Arsenal needs one of them. But when it comes down to it, an option like Victor Wanyama makes more sense. That being said, Illaramendi is a quality player and it would sure beat having no back up at all.
Next: Benzema's price tag is not the problem