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 following the closing of the market
The Spanish winger sent Edu a reminder of why Arsenal should once again look to pursue a deal in the future as he played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory in the Champions League against RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.
READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe plays key role in Arsenal securing Bukayo Saka contract amid shock clause reveal
Asensio excelled in his side’s victory as he scored the second goal for Madrid which sealed all three points. Despite not starting the match, his impact from the substitutes bench proved crucial.
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.
The Spain international has carried his impressive exploits from previous into the new campaign. With the winger excelling in the Champions League, he has sent a reminder to Edu that he should look to explore a transfer once the market reopens.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal can complete free transfers amid Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz links
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Kylian Mbappe plays key role in Arsenal securing Bukayo Saka contract amid shock clause reveal
Arsenal's Premier League squad confirmed as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba absence explained
Three Arsenal legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
