Arsenal and Liverpool miss out on Russian transfer over 'privilege'

Denis Cheryshev (left) says it is a 'privilege' to play for Real Madrid

ARSENAL and Liverpool appear to have failed in their attempts to prise Denis Cheryshev away from Real Madrid.

 

The Premier League duo were both reportedly interested in bringing the midfielder to England.

It was understood the winger was unhappy in Spain, with the Gunners keen on landing the 24-year-old after Tomas Rosicky's injury blow earlier this summer.

 

But the Russian, who played on loan at Villarreal last season, says he wants to battle for a place in the Real first team.

“It is a privilege to be here, with the best players in the world,” he said.

“We are here to help, when the manager creates opportunities for us to play, we will do so full of enthusiasm because being here is a real privilege.“

 

Cheryshev, a youth product of Real, is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Bernabeu club.

Before his loan spell at Villarreal he spent a season at Sevilla but made only one league start.

 

The 5ft 8in midfielder scored seven goals last season and Liverpool were reportedly eyeing to beat Arsenal to his signature as manager Brendan Rodgers seeks new recruits ahead of deadline day.

But it appears as though Cheryshev will fight for a place in new manager Rafael Benitez's squad - despite the boss signing Mateo Kovacic from Inter this summer.