In shocking new reports, Arsenal have now been linked with a move for Real Madrid’s new wonder kid Marco Asensio. The 21-year-old has had a terrific season for Real last term and any chances of Los Blancos parting ways with the youngster looks excessively slim. However, that doesn’t stop the rumour mill from articulating such rumours.
Reportedly, the youngster is desperate for first team chances at the highest level and Real are yet to offer him a new deal. Although it doesn’t matter much at the moment because any club whatsoever, would be second best to Real following the Whites’ recently concluded season, which gives them the inclination in the waiting game.
And Asensio, who is quite passionate about the club, wouldn’t really be willing to change sides. At best, this move could be a loan move at the moment, given Real’s existing squad which is brimming with some of the best players in the attacking third. While Asensio could be a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star is expected to play a major role for Real next season with World Cup coming up next year.
Arsenal, however, can surely exploit this opportunity to land the player. Asensio would be willing to be a part of Spain’s World Cup squad next year too, and regular football would be essential in obtaining that. With Alexis Sanchez’s increasing possibility of leaving for Manchester City, Wenger could bring the player in. Although Asensio at 21, would cost a huge money for the Gunners, Sanchez has been slapped with a mammoth price tag of £80 million, which could facilitate the transfer.
A left wing by nature, Asensio can play on the other flank as well as through the middle. The youngster pairing up with Mesut Ozil in Arsenal’s two playmakers’ role could prove to be devastating for opponents to deal with. Asensio has shown his rich technique on and off the ball and a sharp nose for goal.
Following his goal for Real in the Champions League against Juventus, which was the final nail in the coffin, the Spaniard went on to be part of the ‘team of the tournament’ for Under 21 Euro Championships. Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin was also the main part of Spain’s squad alongside Asensio.
An academy product of Spanish side Mallorca, Asensio broke into their first team as a 19-year-old. And apparently, it was upon the request of Spain’s tennis star Rafael Nadal that Real president Florentino Perez snapped him up. He was sent on a loan stint with Espanyol, where he scored four goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances, clearing all doubts about his potential.
