Arsenal backed to complete Real Madrid coup and wreck Klopp’s No 1 plan in double Liverpool blow
Arsenal can simultaneously sign a Liverpool-linked Real Madrid attacker and increase the chances of Jurgen Klopp missing out on signing Jude Bellingham in one fell swoop, per a report.
The Gunners suffered an almigthy blow when learning of Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury in Qatar. The Brazilian has been a revelation since arriving for £45m from Man City over the summer. Jesus underwent surgery to correct a medial ligament issue in his right knee and the worst case scenario will see him sidelined for two to three months.
Arsenal were already in the mix for a new forward next month, though the injury blow has emboldened their stance.
Joao Felix and Mykhaylo Mudryk are among those frequently linked with a move to the Emirates. However, neither will come cheap.
A more cost-effective option could come in the form of Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio. Indeed, the Spaniard, 26, is out of contract next summer and his current valuation reflects that.
Football London report Asensio – who often started up front for Spain at the World Cup – can be signed for £21m in the winter window.
He has been linked with Liverpool, with reports last week claiming the Reds were eyeing up a pre-contract agreement. If signed, Asensio would then arrive on Merseyside for free next summer.
However, Football London report Real are very much warming to a January sale as that avenue would allow them to generate a fee.
Asensio has struggled for starts under Carlo Ancelotti this season. In a team that contains Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Karim Benzema and Fede Valverde who often plays further forward under Ancelotti, it’s easy to see why.
The report touts Arsenal’s prior interest that had its root in the last summer window. Jesus’ injury could reignite their plans and give Mikel Arteta a high quality short-term fix. However, an Asensio signing would also have a knock-on effect on Liverpool.
Asensio deal to dent Liverpool’s Bellingham hopes
Real Madrid are one of the three primary suitors for Jude Bellingham who’ve broken away from the pack. The others are Man City and Liverpool.
With Arsenal not in the mix and direct rivals of the latter pair, it stands to reason they’d be dismayed at seeing a player of Bellingham’s calibre strengthen a rival.
The report adds an Asensio swoop in January would add more cash to Real’s Bellingham fund. The English ace, 19, could cost as much as £130m if Dortmund hold out for their full valuation.
In that scenario, Arsenal would simultaneously be signing a Liverpool-linked forward in Asensio as well as helping to prevent the Reds from signing Bellingham.
All in all, it’d be a win-win for Arteta and co.
