Teammate Reveals Silva’s Destination As Real Madrid

Arsenal’s defensive midfield target Lucas Silva would reportedly sign for Real Madrid this January if the hint dropped by his teammate is anything to go by. Silva’s teammate Mayke, speaking to AS, said: “Being able to play in a team like Real Madrid is a dream of any player. We know he will go, but he still can’t imagine it”. This is obviously a hint that the 21-year-old midfielder is poised for a move to Spain in January and it would be disappointing for the Gunners who are in need of a defensive midfielder this January. Arsenal had been thought to be favourites to land the Cruzeiro player from a list of English Premier League clubs which includes. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but now with a reported £12m bid accepted by the Brazilian club, Cruzeiro, the hope of landing he impressive midfielder has been quelled like water on a smouldering ember.

The defensive midfield position at Real Madrid may also entertain some modifications if Lucas Silva’s deal to the Spanish heavyweight manifests this January. With Sami Khedira Asier Illaramendi and recently signed Toni Kroos, the signing of Silva may spark the need to leave Madrid for Sami Khedira and especially Illaramendi. The chance of Illaramendi playing regularly for Real Madrid is very slim. At 24, he would be looking to commanding a better playing time in his club and since this does not seem achievable in the nearest foreseeable future, the player might just be wishing he gets approached by any club for his signature as his contribution to all he has achieved in football at club level are very insignificant. Asier Illaramendi was one of the revelations of the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where his country finished as runner up after losing on penalties to Nigeria. The defensive midfielder went on after playing at that level to the next cadre of U-21, and gained 16 caps for the team in two years. At U-19 and U23 levels also, he commanded fine performances as the first choice defensive midfielder and contributed immensely to the success of his sides. His good run at the cadre levels for Spain, however, has not translated to a commensurate club career, as he is presently like fourth choice defensive midfielder in a star-studded Real Madrid squad.

The situation surrounding Sami Khedira at Real Madrid is no longer a top subject of media concerns as the player was all over the news this summer because of the his contract extension rejection at the Spanish club and his botched move to Arsenal. Therefore, Lucas Silva’s move to Madrid as given away by his teammate would not only represent good news to the player but also to Madrid who would benefit from the player’s versatility. Silva is said to be a very good midfielder going forward but has established himself as a deep lying midfielder with impeccable statistics of tackles and interceptions. While Arsenal would lick their wounds and turn their attention to another player, Real Madrid would hope that their growing South American contingent would bring more fortunes to the club by winning more trophies and laurels.