In recent months, Arsenal has been linked with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, the Gunners – or any other suitors – could sign him for as little as £30 million.
Arsenal is reportedly competing with Manchester United, Juventus, and AC Milan for Asensio.
The Gunners could use some attacking reinforcements as well as more midfield help.
Asensio is versatile enough to play in central midfield, at No. 10, and on the attacking flanks.
The Spain international’s contract at the Bernabeu expires next summer.
According to Corriere Real attempted to re-sign Asensio, but he was unwilling to sign new terms.
This means they’d have to sell the offensive ace this summer or risk losing him for next to nothing.
Corriere claims that while they will not sell on the cheap, Real is aware that they cannot ask for more than €30-35 million.
This equates to £26m-£31m and is described as a sum Premier League clubs “can spend with their eyes closed.”
According to a separate Corriere report – via Sport Witness – Arsenal are very keen to bring Asensio to the Emirates.’
He could work alongside fellow Spaniard Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
‘Extraordinary’ serial winner
Asensio, who Carlo Ancelotti has deemed “extraordinary“, enjoyed a fruitful season last time out.
He registered 12 goals and two assists from 42 appearances in all competitions in 2021-22.
Asensio, who reportedly has a £592.5million release clause, won three trophies last term.
He lifted the La Liga title, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Arsenal has dealt with Real before, signing Martin Odegaard last summer after a loan spell.
The Gunners also had Dani Ceballos on loan from the Bernabeu for two seasons.
“He’s dynamic”
Phil Kitromilides, a Real Madrid commentator and journalist, waxed poetic about Asensio in 2017.
“When you describe a player as vertical in English, it doesn’t convey quite the same meaning that it does in Spanish,” Kitromilides told Bleacher Report.
“Asensio is tall. He’s exciting. He’s one of the world’s best counter-attacking players.
“Not only is he quick, but he’s also very good at dribbling the ball quickly.”
“He appears to understand when to give a pass on the counter-attack.”
