Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Marco Asensio. But, a deal never managed to materialise, meaning the winger stayed in the Spanish capital following the closing of the market.
However, the Gunners are no longer the only reported party interested in the Champions League winner. Astonishingly, Barcelona are reportedly looking to attempt to negotiate a deal to sign Asensio from their arch-rivals Real Madrid.
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This is according to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo who have claimed that Xavi Hernandez wants to sign the Real Madrid winger on a free transfer. Asensio’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
Calciomercato, as cited by HITC, claim that agent Jorge Mendes is attempting to get Asensio’s name out there ahead of a potential January move. Asensio is out of contract in 2023 and Mendes is seemingly checking whether clubs would pay a small fee in January or take the Spaniard for nothing next summer.
This was supported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano in the summer transfer window as he said via Wettfreunde : "Asensio has been offered by his agent to many important English clubs including Arsenal, Man United in the last two weeks."
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.
But if Arsenal want to secure the services of the Spaniard then he is going to have to be proactive to ensure that a club who is guaranteed with Champions League football does not swoop in first. We have already seen the threat with Barcelona reportedly registering interest.
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