Arsenal has been handed a transfer blow as Real Madrid is now looking to keep Marco Asensio.
The attacker has been a key target for Mikel Arteta’s side recently as they seek to improve their team further.
A move for Asensio seems sensible, especially because they could sign him as a free agent next summer.
The Spaniard had originally struggled to reach an agreement over a new deal with Madrid and seemed to be heading towards the exit door.
He has also not been getting enough playing time at the club, which should make him leave.
This caught the attention of Arsenal, who have been following the situation for a long time.
However, a new report on Ser Deportivos says Madrid is keen to get him on a new contract now and they will work on an improved three-year offer for the attacker.
Asensio is still only 26 and has plenty of years left in him to impress, having seen the last few years at Real Madrid affected by injury and fitness issues.
Clubs in England such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United were looking to move for Asensio in the summer, and were hoping to get him on a free transfer next year.
Real Madrid had been in talks with Asensio for months prior but were unable to reach an agreement on personal terms, with the Spanish club planning for the future without him.
They planned to bring back Brahim Diaz from Milan to act as Asensio’s replacement for the long run, but even those ideas may have to be altered soon.
Asensio hasn’t had plenty of first-team opportunities at Real Madrid with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo taking up places ahead of him.
Now, he’ll be hoping to change that if he does renew with the club and will want to make an impact for them, free of injury and fitness issues.
