Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward’s agent offering him to other clubs, including Barcelona – report
Marco Asensio’s departure from Real Madrid seemed to be written in stone at the beginning of the season. The 27-year-old demanded a wage hike that the club did not concede to, breaking down renewal talks between the two parties.
However, his situation took a turnaround after the season commenced. His impact off the bench proved to be a special weapon for Carlo Ancelotti, and an extension was no longer a distant possibility.
Now, again, there is a sharp turn of events. With Alvaro Rodriguez’s recent rise to prominence, Asensio has once again fallen down the ladder and is one of the last-choice attackers under the Italian tactician.
According to reports from Carrusel Deportivo, Asensio has not yet accepted Real Madrid’s renewal offer. He knows that his role in the team will be limited to appearances off the bench if he stays at the club, and the player is willing to leave Santiago Bernabeu.
Asensio’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered his client’s services to several European clubs including arch-rivals FC Barcelona. In fact, the Catalans are one of the best-placed teams to sign the forward if he leaves the Spanish capital this season.
Xavi and co. value Asensio for his versatility. His ability to play on both wings, as an interior and through the middle gives the Spanish manager a lot of flexibility in his plans and shaping of the final third.
The 27-year-old has only started seven La Liga games for the defending champions this season, although he has appeared on 18 occasions.
In that duration, he has scored four goals and provided three assists. He has created three big chances and averages a key pass in every game.
With talks over a new deal still going on, it remains to be seen if the two parties arrive at an agreement or whether Asensio ends up departing in the summer, with Barcelona a possible destination.
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
