Arsenal end Isco interest but Real team-mate could be alternative

Isco TEAMtalk

Arsenal are reportedly no longer interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Isco in the January transfer window and will look elsewhere.

The Spain international has been a regular for Los Blancos since his 2013 move from Malaga. The 28-year-old has made 318 appearances in all competitions for the capital giants, scoring 51 goals.

However, he seems to have slipped down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane this season. It follows a trend for the playmaker, as his game time has diminished over the past few years.

No longer a regular starter, Isco’s international appearances have also dwindled. He continues to be linked with a January exit after starting just three La Liga games this term.

Arsenal are in dire straits at present, having won just one league game in 10 attempts. They sit 15th in the table and are just four points above the relegation zone.

Manager Mikel Arteta is under pressure and reports claim he has already handed in a wish list for January. Isco and Houssem Aouar were said to be his main targets but it seems that has narrowed to one.

Arsenal are desperate to add creativity in the centre of the park after scoring only 12 golas from 14 games this term. At his best, Isco can unlock defences but the Daily Star are reporting that he is close to joining Juventus.

The pull of Champions League football is said to be behind his expected move to Turin. He has just 18 months left on his Real deal and would have been affordable for the Premier League club.

 

Isco team-mate the next target

With Isco seemingly out of the picture, Arteta might turn to his colleague in Madrid, Vinicius Junior. The man capped once by Brazil has made eight La Liga starts this campaign but Real may sanction a loan deal.

The Daily Star reported earlier in the week that he is now a real alternative to Isco. He has scored twice this season in the league and also notched one goal in six Champions League appearances.

Chelsea were linked in the summer but nothing materialised and it is not known if Frank Lampard is still keen. Arsenal’s need is much greater as they desperately require help to lift them out of their current plight.

The Gunners face Chelsea when the Premier League resumes on Boxing Day. Defeat for Arteta’s men will only highlight their troubles and call for the money men to open the coffers.

 

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