Arsenal have realised that they have to spend big, and they aim to splash out again by moving for Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio according to reports.
Arsenal are not holding back on their summer spending. In a change to recent years, Arsenal are willing to compete for Europe’s best players and up and coming stars. Their latest project is to land Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio, according to Don Balon.
This is an ambitious challenge for Arsenal. Not only do the Spanish giants want to keep hold of the youngster, but the Gunners will also have to contend with rival interest from Manchester United and Juventus as well, Don Balon suggests.
Marco Asensio plays for Spain in Germany v Spain – UEFA Euro U21 Championships Final
Asensio, 21, had an amazing first season at Real Madrid with an epic Champions League campaign return of three goals in that competition, three goals in La liga and three in the Copa del Ray.
Real Madrid have no intention of letting the player leave, as Liverpool found out in April when they had a £42 million bid turned down, according to the Metro. If anything, Asensio’s stock has only risen, since his goal in the Champion’s League final.
Arsenal are keen to add to their summer spending though, having already attracted Alexandre Lacazette for £53 million, say SkySports, and Saed Kolasinac on a free transfer, report SkySports.
A successful Asensio would take the London club’s spending well over £100 million this summer, at a time when Arsenal are not even in the Champions League. Wenger does not look as afraid to test Europe’s big clubs with high transfer fees this summer, as the club is also reported to be chasing Monaco’s 21-year-old Thomas Lemar, according to the Daily Star.
Arsenal’s strategy looks set for more young rising stars from overseas. Lacazette broke the club’s transfer record, but it may not be the biggest signing that Arsenal make this summer.
Wenger is hinting that there is more to come. In a recent Evening Standard interview, he said: “We are very active on the transfer market and have already realised two incomings… But we are still active on the transfer market so let’s see what kind of opportunities we can find.”
Marco Asensio celebrates scoring for Real Madrid
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
