Arsenal put on ice by Real Madrid star who’s got bigger ambitions in mind

Arsenal transfer target Marco Asensio is said to be holding out for a new deal with Real Madrid which could see the Gunners pursue other targets.

Asensio has been on the Arsenal watchlist for quite some time now. His current deal with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season and so Mikel Areta’s side were looking to strike a cut-price deal.

The Spanish playmaker has been at Real Madrid since 2014 and he is reluctant to move on. The 26-year-old has played 250 matches for the club, scoring 52 goals in that time.

Several clubs have been interested in taking Asensio as he has fallen down the pecking order in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

This season eight of his nine La Liga appearances have come from the bench as Federico Valverde has taken his spot on the right-hand side.

Despite his lack of action this season, a Spanish outlet has reported that the player is keen on continuing with Real Madrid.

The publication explains: ‘The footballer’s wish is to continue at Real Madrid. His last performances also convinced the club, which changed its mind with respect to the summer, when it did not propose the renewal.

‘Asensio is waiting for the offer, which he will value based on his role in the squad.’

If he decides not to extend his stay with Madrid, he will be available on a free transfer in the summer and will surely have plenty of suitors ready to take him.

Arsenal have other targets

If Asensio does indeed extend his contract with Real Madrid then Mikel Arteta will instead look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements in January.

Mykhaylo Mudryk is a primary target for Arsenal in the January transfer window. TEAMTalk recently revealed that Mudryk himself is pushing for the deal.

Arteta himself has admitted that Arsenal’s January transfer plans have been influenced by their stellar start to the season. With Arsenal currently sat top of the table, they are keen on further boosting their squad.

“The planning of that period is extremely difficult. First of all because we know the January window, how special it is, the opportunities that you have, the short window that you have,” explained Arteta via Daily Mail.

“Once you get the player they are straight away competing, so there is not an adaption process.

“And obviously with the position that we are in right now as well, it demands as well another level of player – and that player has to be available. We will look at everything and let’s see what we can do.”

Arteta’s side currently hold a five-point lead over Manchester City. They have one of the strongest starting line ups in the league, but they are still light in some areas.

Two of the key positions Arsenal are keen on strengthening is holding midfield and their forward line.

With Gabriel Jesus set to be on the sidelines with an injury for the foreseeable future, Arsenal know they have to nail their recruitment in the January window.

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