Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger wants to fight for a place in the team despite expiring contract
The summer has not been kind to Marco Asensio. The Spanish forward’s future has been under the clouds for months now, and seemingly no progress has been made either favouring a renewal or a departure.
Now, the 26-year-old seems set to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for one more season. According to reports from AS, Asensio is determined to earn a place in the starting XI for the upcoming season.
At the moment, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo Goes are ahead of the Spaniard in the pecking order to fill the third place in attack. Given the manager’s trust in the duo, it will require a special effort from the winger to displace them.
At the end of last season, it seemed almost certain that Asensio would sign a contract extension with Real Madrid. However, that operation did not go through owing to the player’s exorbitant wage demands.
Eventually, talks between the two parties broke down and the Spaniard was linked with a move away from Madrid. Yet, it is now said that the player is reluctant to leave despite having offers on the table.
Asensio’s contract with the club runs down in less than a year, but a decision regarding his future will only be taken next summer. Carlo Ancelotti trusts the 26-year-old, but it is clear that he will have to work hard for his place.
Last season, the winger made 31 appearances for the men in white and found the back of the net ten times. However, his inconsistency eventually saw his role as a starter dwindle and Rodrygo took over the centre stage towards the end of the season.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
