A sum of 3 million euros currently stands between Lucas Silva and Real Madrid.

The 'Los Blancos' club management are aware that Cruzeiro want 15 million euros for their player and are not in the mood for negotiating. Arsenal have already put that figure on the table and therefore Real need to do the same if they want to snap up the best defensive midfielder of the 'Brasileirao'.

The powers that be at Real Madrid have already made an opening offer of 12 million euros which was rejected by Cruzeiro, waiting for 'Los Blancos' to match the offer from the London club. Real are counting on the player himself to influence his current club into accepting their bid, as he already has an agreement in place with Real Madrid.

The goalposts have moved since the initial talks took place between the two clubs, and there has been a shift in the balance. At that time, Real Madrid had no intention of bringing in new recruits during the January transfer window.

Something that was no more than a possibility has now become a necessity as a result of injuries and a squad which is running on the light side.

Moreover, Cruzeiro were not banking on the 15 million euros that Wenger has brought to the party. Hence, what started out as an unhurried negotiation has become a race against time to fulfil Real's urgent requirements.