Carlo Ancelotti has been quoted by Spanish newspaper AS as saying that he believes the club are locked in negotiation with Marco Asensio over a new deal – amid reports that Arsenal and Tottenham want the Spain midfielder.
Asensio, 26, has been in and out of the Madrid side this season – playing 36 times, but only 19 from the start. In only four of those 19 games, Asensio has completed 90 minutes. His contract ends in the summer of 2023.
The Madrid ace – who has clocked up 229 appearances for Madrid – would be forgiven for looking elsewhere, a club where he knew he would start regularly. CM say Arsenal and Spurs want to pay his £30m asking price.
Amid the rumours over a possible move to the Premier League or Serie A, Ancelotti was asked about Asensio’s future at the Bernabeu. He praised Asensio, and stated that the club were in talks over a new deal for him.
“He’s a player with extraordinary quality. He had a serious knee injury which left him out for a long time and with a slow rehabilitation. He’s an important player who has helped us.
“I don’t know what will will happen regarding his future. I think he is talking to the club to renew his contract, but I can only speak about his technical qualities,” Ancelotti concluded, as per AS.
Ancelotti on Asensio: Can Arsenal, Tottenham convince Real star?
It depends which club – if any – can get fourth spot and qualification to the Champions League. To Asensio, a move to Arsenal or Spurs will hardly make a difference. Both attractive, both similar levels, both in London.
The lure of Tottenham’s stadium and Antonio Conte might be tempting, but Arsenal are likely to offer more wages – thanks to the stubbornness of Daniel Levy. What makes the difference, is fourth place this season.
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