Transfer Gossip: Arsenal make contact for Real Madrid forward at critical impasse; West Ham prepare £25m winger bid

Marco Asensio could find out his fate within a week after Arsenal stepped up their pursuit of the Real Madrid winger, while West Ham are preparing a £25m deal for a forward with Premier League experience – all in Sunday’s transfer gossip.

ARSENAL CONTACT ASENSIO AGENTS

Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio by contacting his agents, according to reports.

Asensio is entering the final year of his contract in the Spanish capital. He has three options: sign an extension, stay until 2023 before leaving for free, or quit now.

The Spaniard may want to see out the last season of his deal, but his employers would rather cash in if he does not want to commit beyond next summer.

Therefore, a number of clubs are eyeing a potential deal for Asensio. Indeed, Arsenal are among the interested parties.

According to the Mirror, Real Madrid want a definitive answer from Asensio regarding his future by June 20th. In turn, Arsenal are watching on.

In fact, they have already made some progress towards exploring a potential deal. The Mirror report that Arsenal are in contact with his representatives to find out two things.

First, they want to know what Asensio would be looking for in terms of a contract. Next, they will seek to determine Madrid’s demands for a transfer.

Having only started him in half their La Liga matches in 2021-22, it will be interesting to see what kind of fee Real could command for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal and AC Milan want Marco Asensio

Both Arsenal and AC Milan are interested in Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio.

Likewise, as he enters his prime years, Asensio’s stance on his next club will provide intrigue. The report claims he would not be too put off the fact that Arsenal won’t be in the Champions League next season.

Since becoming a member of the Madrid first team in 2016, Asensio has only ever experienced Champions League football when it comes to European involvement. Arsenal just missed out, but will be in the Europa League thanks to a fifth-place finish.

The north London outfit seem to be heading in the right direction again. If they can lure a player like Asensio, it would be a sign of their growth.

Indeed, they would be beating off some strong competition. The Mirror note he has been offered to Tottenham and AC Milan, while Manchester United have not followed up an informal enquiry.

Hence, Arsenal will have some work to do to get a deal over the line for Asensio. But it would be an exciting one were it to happen.

WEST HAM WANT ISMAILA SARR

Amid their search for attacking reinforcements, West Ham have cast glances towards Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

That’s according to the Sunday Mirror, who suggest David Moyes’ side are even lining up a £25m offer for the Senegal international.

Sarr suffered a second relegation with Watford in the 2021-22 season. This time, he is unlikely to stick with them in the Championship.

The wide man should have plenty of admirers – and it appears that West Ham are firmly among them.

Sarr has recently been linked with Newcastle and Liverpool as well. But West Ham could be confident of a deal to keep Sarr in and around London.

At the age of 24, he could be ready for the next step in his career. By joining West Ham, he would have Europa Conference League football on offer.

What’s more, he should fancy his chances of getting regular gametime, given the Hammers’ need for more options up front. Andriy Yarmolenko is leaving, while they could be bracing themselves for interest in Jarrod Bowen.

Potential successor Sarr scored five goals from 22 Premier League appearances in 2021-22.

MAN UTD VETERAN ATTRACTS CHAMPIONSHIP SUITOR

There could be plenty of changes to the Manchester United squad this summer. One under-the-radar exit could be that of Tom Heaton.

The veteran goalkeeper returned to the club from Aston Villa last year. He made one substitute appearance in the Champions League, but spent the season as third-choice.

Yet the 36-year-old could take on a bigger role if he drops down to the Championship. According to The Sun, Middlesbrough are interested in the former England international.

In fact, they could hand him a role as their number one, but only if Man Utd are willing to let him go on loan.

Heaton is under contract until 2023 with the option of a further year in Manchester. From his perspective, the chance to play regularly again would be welcomed.

Middlesbrough could give him such a platform, with their keeper Joe Lumley being eyed by Reading.

Hence, Heaton could get the chance to restore himself to a role of prominence. All will depend on United’s stance, which will be interesting to see given that current backup Dean Henderson also wants out of Old Trafford.