Arsenal: Gunners ready to firm up interest in Marco Asensio


Arsenal are ready to firm up their interest in Real Madrid attacking midfielder Marco Asensio, according to The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Pepe’s departure

On Friday, it was announced that Gunners winger Nicolas Pepe had joined Ligue 1 outfit Nice on a season-long loan.

The Ivory Coast international arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2019 for a club-record £72m fee but has since struggled to maintain a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Despite featuring in 20 Premier League matches last season, the 27-year-old only actually started five, depicting a frustrating lack of game-time for the former Lille winger.

The Latest: Asensio interest

Having let Pepe join Nice on loan for the season, a berth has opened up for Arteta to add an extra attacker to his squad ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

As a result, a number of attacking players have been linked with moves to the Emirates, among them Wolves winger Pedro Neto.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are now ready to firm up their interest in Asensio, with Real Madrid planning to ask the Spain international this week for a definitive answer regarding his future plans. Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has previously confirmed that the 26-year-old is looking to leave the club.

Amid other interest from Manchester United, Asensio has a representative ready to speak with the Gunners in London, with suggestions that Arsenal are in the lead to secure his signature.

The Verdict: He’d be a great signing

Despite falling down the pecking order at the Bernabeu in recent years, starting only half of their La Liga games and two in the Champions League last season, Asensio still possesses a lot of talent.

After a strong campaign in the UEFA Nations League this summer, the 26-year-old was praised – alongside Gavi and Koke – by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for playing with ‘pure quality’ for the Spain national team.

Having previously been praised by Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane for having the best left foot in football since Lionel Messi, the out-of-favour winger could still go on to perform at the highest level for years to come, if he is given the opportunity to do so regularly.

Therefore, with Arsenal pushing for a Champions League finish this season, Asensio could be a brilliant addition to Arteta’s squad if the Gunners can bring him in before Thursday’s deadline.

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