Real Madrid defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi is considering a move to Athletic Bilbao in the current transfer window in a bid to escape the Bernabeu, according to a report.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a £24m bid for the 24-year-old, who has seen his first-team opportunities limited under Carlo Ancelotti, but the Gunners are said to be waiting until the summer to sign him.
According to the Daily Express, Bilbao have lodged a £18.5m bid to land Illarramendi this month and the Spanish international may decide that he cannot afford to wait six months with little game time in Madrid.
Fellow Basque outfit Real Sociedad are also believed to be keen on Illarramendi.
