As the end of the transfer window approaches more Arsenal fans are wondering if any senior player other than Petr Čech, and it doesn’t look likely.

Above all else the club probably need another midfielder, with a top class striker a possibility if one becomes available.

However, according to Marca, Arsenal are not going to challenge Liverpool for the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, who is also attracting interest from Juventus.

The Spanish giants already have Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić as central midfielders and have now added huge Croatian talent Mateo Kovačić. Along with those options James Rodriguez, Isco and Gareth Bale may all be competing for a more attacking role in the middle of the pitch and the club re-signed Casemiro from Porto after the Portuguese club activated a clause to make a loan deal permanent at the end of last season.

That leaves Illarramendi (as well as January signing Lucas Silva) a long way down the pecking order at the Bernabéu. Liverpool are said to have offered £14M earlier in the summer but are no offering just over £10M as they think Madrid must be eager to sell Illarramendi.

Marca say that Juventus are also interested. They’ve already signed Sami Khedira this summer but he is now injured, so Illarramendi could be on their radar.

Meanwhile Arsenal and Athletic Club are seemingly lacking interest in the midfielder now, having expressed a desire to sign him in the past. That could be a great shame as he is good defensively and classy on the ball. If he was available you’d think he’d suit Arsenal well so, especially at this price, it’s a little surprising not to see the Gunners making a move.