Arsenal have reportedly entered the race for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, who is considering his future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Marco Asensio, 25, has fallen down the attacking pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti this season, starting just three out of nine La Liga outings, bagging three goals in the process. The Spaniard is expected to hold talks with the club’s president Florentino Perez over his future if his situation doesn’t change.
According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Arsenal are among five clubs looking to sign Marco Asensio in January, with an offer already on the table. The likes of Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan are the remaining clubs vying for the Real Madrid attacker’s signature, the report adds.
Arsenal are understood to be keen on bringing further reinforcements in the January transfer window after spending over €150 million over the summer on six new players. The north Londoners, after a woeful start to the season, have picked up the pace of late and are putting in some impressive displays.
Mikel Arteta is pushing for European football and will look to bring in a couple of new players in the next transfer window to try and compete with the top six clubs.
Marco Asensio to Arsenal—How will he fit it?
Marco Asensio is a player who likes to take on defenders and beat them with his tenacity, burst of pace and dribbling ability, whilst also being a team player that works really hard off the ball and defenders from the front.
The Spaniard can play in a variety of positions across the midfield and attack, something which could largely benefit Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Over the years at Real Madrid, he has proven to be a strong creative outlet either from midfield or down the wide areas of the pitch. The 25-year-old is also deceptive with his movement, while also being a composed finisher in front of goal.
At Arsenal, Asensio could take a spot on the left wing in Arteta’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system and offer creativity to the attack. If this happens, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard will have to fit for the no.10 spot with Bukayo Saka expected to get the nod ahead of Nicolas Pepe on the right flank.
Due to his versatility, Asensio could also feature as the No. 10 role in the 4-2-3-1 system or as an advanced 8 if Arteta decides to play a 4-3-3 system, adding energy, intensity and a different flavour to the Gunners side. The Spanish international would be a great option to have from the bench, whereas his experience and winning mentality should come in handy for Arteta’s side.
All in all, the signing of Asensio from Real Madrid would give Arteta a variety of options in attack and a deep squad, which is required for Arsenal to compete for a European spot this season.