Sociedad star would welcome return of Arsenal target

Arsenal target Asier Illarramendi has been invited to rejoin Real Sociedad by his former team-mate Inigo Martinez.

The Gunners reportedly bid £15m for the midfielder in the summer but it was below Real Madrid's valuation after they shelled out £30m for him in 2013.

Martinez, who also grew up playing with Illarramendi in the Spain youth sides, believes the player is unsettled, despite publicly claiming he wants to stay at Real, and "does not know what to do" about his future.

"There are things that happen in football,"Martinez said. "He has the decision to make. I want to wish him the best and we hope he stays at Madrid.

"Here the truth is that we would all be happy if he returned but, as he will know, he has his representatives for advice. The final decision is his."

Spanish paper Marca claims Sociedad, managed by former Manchester United boss David Moyes, are ready to pay around £25m for his return.