Arsenal took a setback in the summer transfer market after being snubbed by Raphinha following a very successful start to the window. Mikel Arteta has been on the hunt for a winger and it seemed that the Brazilian would have been the perfect acquisition.
However, the former Leeds United winger decided to join Barcelona meaning it is important that Edu searches for alternatives, as Arsenal cannot be left weak in the attacking positions. It seems that Edu has potentially identified Marco Asensio as a potential option.
And the Gunners have been given a boost to sign the Spain international. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said via Wettfreunde : "Asensio has been offered by his agent to many important English clubs including Arsenal, Man United in the last two weeks."
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Spanish news outlet El Confidencial reported last week that Florentino Perez had made a decision to sell Marco Asensio. The president has reportedly instructed Carlo Ancelotti to stop playing the Spanish forward.
The Real Madrid playmaker has played a supporting role at the Bernabeu under Carlo Ancelotti, scoring 12 goals in his 42 appearances in all competitions last season. Asensio could leave the club in search of regular first-team football after only averaging 50 minutes per match in the 2021/22 campaign.
The Spaniard’s versatility could also be a key factor in Edu deciding to pursue a deal if the proposed Raphinha transfer falls through. Despite being a natural winger, Asensio can also feature in the middle of the park or in a more attacking midfield role.
Mikel Arteta had problems with the midfield last season due to the lack of quality in squad depth, and that has hindered the club’s progress at times. If the Spaniard opts for three players in the centre of midfield, then Asensio would also be an option to have on the left-hand side for the future.
Arsenal and Manchester United are not the only side to register Premier League interest though, as according to Spanish news outlet AS, Liverpool also submitted an offer for the Spaniard last season. Edu has shown so far to be proactive in this window with the signings of Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos, and he will need to follow this model in the pursuit for a winger in this window.
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