Arsenal are considering a swoop for Real Madrid contract rebel Marco Asensio, whose deal expires at the end of next month when he can leave on a free transfer.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their squad in the off-season after falling just short of eventual Premier League title winners Manchester City.
Although central midfield is the area Mikel Arteta feels is most in need of strengthening, he is also keen to bring in a new winger to provide cover and competition.
Bukayo Saka looked worn out and jaded by the end of the campaign, having played in all 38 Premier League matches for a total of 3195 minutes.
He was largely rested for Arsenal’s Europa League matches and domestic Cup games, something that will not be as easy to do next season when the side are playing in the Champions League.
Now Spanish radio station Onda Cero are reporting that Arsenal have set their sights on Asensio to compliment their existing attacking options, with the winger becoming a free agent in a month’s time.
The 27-year-old has rejected fresh terms put forward by Real Madrid and now looks certain to leave the Bernabeu, though Arsenal are far from the only club interested.
Serie A giants AC Milan and French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also prepared to offer lucrative deals, with Asensio now free to hold talks with foreign clubs.
Real had wanted to keep the Spain international but they cannot guarantee him the regular role in the starting XI which he craves.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has predominantly used Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior on the flanks, while Federico Valverde has often been used on the right wing too.
Despite making just 15 La Liga starts, Asensio still managed to rack up nine goals and six assists – averaging a key contribution every 93 minutes.
Arsenal’s interest in the Spaniard dates back to last summer, when they were also linked with a cut-price move for a player who only had a year left on his contract, and Arteta is thought to be particularly attracted to his versatility.
Asensio is capable of playing in multiple positions across the attacking line, though his preferred position is on the right flank cutting onto his excellent left foot – not dissimilarly to Saka.
Spanish newspaper Marca are also reporting that Asensio has decided to leave the Bernabeu, though Arsenal are not the only Premier League club to show interest.
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