Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta might be keen for his club to sign Marco Asensio, but Real Madrid have other ideas when it comes to the Spaniard.
Asensio is thought to be on Arsenal’s list of potential signings. Indeed, it was just a few weeks ago that Calciomercato reported how Mikel Arteta was apparently desperate for the Gunners to sign him.
However, if Arsenal do harbour any hopes of landing Asensio, those hopes could be about to be derailed by Madrid.
A report this weekend from Sport has claimed that Los Blancos are now moving to offer Asensio a new contract at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s new stance on Asensio seems to come in support of manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian has apparently told the Madrid board that Asensio cannot be sold under any circumstances. And this offer of a new contract would appear to back Ancelotti’s personal stance.
For Arsenal, it won’t come as too much a surprise to see Madrid doing this. Despite dropping down the pecking order a tad under Ancelotti, the Spanish attacking midfielder has still had huge success. Asensio has won multiple Champions Leagues, and had been a regular under former coach Zinedine Zidane.
Our View: Asensio to Arsenal always seemed a long shot
There is an admiration for Arsenal in wanting to sign such a quality player like Asensio. However, there was always that nagging doubt in there that the Gunners would struggle to do a deal.
Madriddon’t just sell their players for pennies and Asensio is a quality player who would cost big money. Madrid handing him a new deal only strengthens their position as well.
For Arsenal, this probably one they can park for now. Mikel Arteta will have other targets, meaning Asensio will likely remain at Madrid for the time being at least.
