According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are keen to sign Real Madrid maestro Marco Asensio, who was once regarded as one of Europe’s brightest gems.
What’s the story?
Well, the Gunners are believed to be monitoring the 4-cap Spain international’s situation at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After bursting onto the scene as a youngster – scoring in the 2017 Champions League final against Juventus – Asensio’s career has stalled.
The 25-year-old scored just five goals in 35 La Liga appearances last season – a player of his quality can certainly do better than that.
Despite his recent form, Arsenal can take encouragement from something Zinedine Zidane said in 2017.
Only Lionel Messi betters Marco Asensio
That’s right – Zidane thinks there’s only one player out there with a similar left foot to Asensio, and it’s a six-time Ballon d’Or winner of all people.
That is a huge compliment, and speaks volumes as to how technically impressive the Real Madrid No.11 is.
Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE (via the Independent), Asensio revealed: “Zidane told me that since Messi, he had never seen a left foot like mine.”
If Arsenal managed to bring Asensio to the Emirates Stadium, it would be a major coup.
Yes, his 2020/21 campaign was quite underwhelming. However, the Spaniard has great ability, and also has the potential to thrive in Mikel Arteta’s system.
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