Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he is unsure where Marco Asensio’s future lies this summer following reports that Newcastle United want to sign the Spanish international.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo after Los Blancos’ La Liga opener this weekend against Almeria, the Italian revealed that Asensio remains in his plans as of now, but things can change later in the transfer window should an offer come in for Asensio, with Newcastle reportedly interested in the 26-year-old winger.
The Magpies are one of many sides interested in signing Asensio, with Arsenal and Liverpool also being linked to the Mallorca-born attacker this summer, though as of now no official offers are yet to come in for the Spaniard, with Madrid reportedly valuing the winger at £35m.
With Madrid in a good financial position and Ancelotti using Asensio quite often in both the starting XI and off the bench, there’s a strong chance that the forward will remain in the Spanish capital for the new season despite Newcastle looking for a player of the attacker’s profile.
Eddie Howe has so far been unable to sign a new forward for Newcastle despite a lack of depth in the position, and for Ancelotti, Asensio could well be on the move this summer should a late offer come in for the 26-year-old attacker in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
The Madrid manager said: “He is a Madrid player and I consider him as such. If he deserves to play, he will play. You have to remember the goals he scored and what he did last season. We have to wait until the 31st to know what happens and what he decides, so we will see.”
Newcastle can make a smarter signing than Asensio this summer
Asensio has been part of the Madrid furniture for the best part of six years, winning three UEFA Champions League titles as well as three La Ligas during his time with Los Blancos, yet despite this success and the winger’s regular appearances for the Spanish giants, Newcastle could make a smarter signing this summer than the forward.
Indeed, Newcastle have the finances to match Asensio’s asking price and wages, but in terms of what Howe actually needs from a new forward, the English coach could make a more suitable signing for the Toon and for a much better price than the financial package to bring the Spaniard to the northeast.
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