Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid playmaker Isco in the January transfer window. The Spaniard has been with Los Blancos since 2013, making over 300 appearances for the club and winning numerous trophies, which includes two league titles and four Champions League medals.
As per AS, Isco’s father has informed the club about his son’s desire to leave the club in January. But, the report states that there haven’t been any offers for the 28-year-old midfielder.
Marca have said that Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in the attacking midfielder, while the AS report claims that Sevilla are also interested. The report has revealed that Isco could cost anywhere between €65 and €70 million. His current deal with the club expires in 2022.
Isco to Arsenal – The creativity Arteta needs?
Arsenal have had an erratic season so far, and are far from challenging for the top four positions in the Premier League. Manager Mikel Arteta is currently revamping his squad, bringing in exciting players like Thomas Partey, but the Gunners lack penetration in the final third and are devoid of a central figure in their attack.
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Isco has himself had his ups and downs at the club. Once considered as Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane’s favoured players, he has fallen down the pecking order, behind the likes of even young players like Federico Valverde.
The Spaniard has good vision and creativity, and can link the midfield and attack with his passing and dribbling. Isco has shown that he is a fearless player who can take on defenders and beat them with his close control and speed, while also playing the killer ball in the final third.
He could be the kind of player who can play ahead of Partey and Granit Xhaka, and link with Arsenal’s strikers and wingers. The Spaniard could restart his career at the North London club and become the main man for the Gunners. But, Arteta will have to ensure that he builds his team around Isco and plays him in his natural No. 10 position rather than as a central midfielder or winger.
Arteta will also have to ditch the three/five-man defence if he brings in a player like Isco and switch to a 4-2-3-1 system to play him behind the central striker. Isco’s experience and quality could help Arsenal bridge the gap between themselves and the teams around the top four.