Real Madrid News
Arsenal plotting January swoop for Real Madrid winger – report
The future of Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio continues to be a subject of intense speculation ahead of the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Los Blancos. And while at one point it looked like he would be allowed to leave for free in the summer of 2023, his recent performances have changed the club’s stance on the matter.
Indeed, Real Madrid are said to be considering offering him a new deal to Asensio while the player himself has admitted his desire to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu beyond the current season.
However, according to reports in Italian media, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Premier League giants Arsenal are plotting a surprise raid for Asensio in the January transfer window itself.
The Gunners have had their sights on Asensio for some time now and as they look to mount a successful title challenge in the Premier League, manager Mikel Arteta has sought the signing of the Real Madrid winger during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Real Madrid, for their part, want to renew Asensio and would table a new contract offer for the forward. However, the new deal will see him earn wages similar to what he currently pockets without any drastic improvement.
Given that it had been a bone of contention during the summer, whether Asensio accepts the offer or rejects it remains to be seen. The winger is currently away at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with the Spanish national team and his future will be decided after he returns.
If he refuses to accept the terms offered, Real Madrid will not stand in the way of a January exit as they would lose him for nothing in the summer of 2023.
The Merengues had sought a fee of around €50 million for Asensio during the summer. But given that he will be in the final six months of his contract in January, the champions of Spain and Europe will have to settle for a lower sum.
Apart from Arsenal, there is interest from the likes of AC Milan and Juventus as well. However, the Italian clubs’ finances could prevent the deal from happening in January, giving the Gunners an edge.
The Santiago Bernabeu is ready for the first time in a fortnight as Real Madrid are set to host relegation-threatened Real Valladolid for gameweek 27 of La Liga. The gap between them and Barcelona was increased to 15 yesternight, and los blancos will be looking to cut it down to 12 to scarce the tiniest bit of hope of defending their league crown.
Carlo Ancelotti has opted to use a highly attacking starting lineup for the clash, with Karim Benzema spearheading the front-three. He is flanked by Marco Asensio on the right while Vinicius Jr retains his place on the left.
Rodrygo also gets the nod to start, probably as an attacking midfielder in what looks like a 4-2-3-1.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been given the nod in midfield, with Toni Kroos forming the double pivot alongside him.
With Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Nacho out injured, Eduardo Camavinga gets the license to start as the left-back, while Lucas Vazquez flanks the defence from the right. The usual suspects — Eder Militao and David Alaba — start in central defence.
Thibaut Courtois was a doubt heading into this game, but has been given the medical greenlight to take his place as the goalkeeper.
📋✅ Our squad for #RealMadridRealValladolid! pic.twitter.com/T9G5QY3P4D
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 2, 2023
Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga; Tchouameni, Kroos; Asensio, Rodrygo, Vinicius; Benzema
