According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are now eyeing a move to swoop in and sign Arsenal target Marc Roca from Espanyol.
It’s claimed that Roca has been on Real’s radar for some time. They allegedly looked at him back in August, but Espanyol didn’t receive any offers.
Real have now allegedly considered making their move this summer. They see Roca as an ideal successor to Casemiro at the base of their midfield.
Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga has been touted as a target, but Roca is seen as a cheaper option. Espanyol want to stick to his €40million (£36million) release clause, but that may be difficult.
Espanyol are in relegation trouble, whilst the global pandemic will hit transfer fees. Real therefore want to pay less money and potentially offer up loans to appease Espanyol.
This is potentially dreadful news for Arsenal. SPORT reported last month that the Gunners had already made an offer for Roca, but the two clubs were waiting for the end of the pandemic to try and finalise a deal.
In that time, Real have seemingly eyed up Roca. The 23-year-old is superb on the ball but offers great defensive protection too, emerging as one of the most underrated holding midfielders in Europe.
Turning down Real would be hard, but other Spanish talents have fallen by the wayside after joining them. Asier Illarramendi, Jesus Vallejo, Dani Ceballos, Brahim Diaz and Alvaro Odriozola have struggled to break through with Real over the years, having previously shown promise.
Roca would seemingly have to wait behind Casemiro, which may just give Arsenal hope. Mikel Arteta can offer him a more prominent role at Arsenal, and that’s what the Gunners must push if they’re to pip Real.
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