Arsenal Boost As Real Madrid Bid Rejected For Defensive Midfielder

Arsenal have received a massive boost in their pursuit of defensive midfielder Lucas Silva with reports Cruzeiro have rejected a second bid from Real Madrid.
Spanish news source AS.com say the Brazilian club met with representatives from Madrid to discuss a proposed move for Silva, but Cruzeiro were adamant he will cost at least €15 million.
Madrid have previously thought to have offered €12m for the midfielder, but their second figure is also short and was seemingly rejected.

The Gunners are also said to be in the market for Silva and if they meet the asking price for the 21 year old, the player could be theirs.
However, both sides may be fighting a losing battle as MARCA reports Cruzeiro are attempting to pin the highly sought youngster down to a new deal, with an eye for a big money move in the summer.
The Brazilian club are said to have offered the player double his current salary and increase his release clause and want the player to stay in Belo Horizonte for at least six months so he can play in the Copa Libertadores.
At present, Silva’s release clause is seemingly €15m, but a new deal could see it rise as high as €24m and could price Los Blancos and the North Londoners out of the chase – with them both hoping for a cheap deal.