Arsenal Targeting Madrid Winger Marco Asensio, Agent Confirms Interest

As per the latest reports, Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio is a summer target for Arsenal. The Gunners were linked to the Spaniard even last season, but a move failed to materialize. With Asensio’s contract set to expire in 2023, the 26-year-old could look for a way out as early as this summer.

Asensio has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, registering 10 goals and a solitary assist against his name. However, the former Mallorca winger has managed just 19 starts, and averages under 50 minutes per game (stats via whoscored).

Marco Asensio, Real Madrid midfielder, Spanish midfielder, Arsenal target — Image obtained via managingmadrid.com

With Real Madrid poised to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer in the summer to bolster an already star-studded front line, Los Blancos could be tempted to sell Asensio to clear out space. Ancelotti already has Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Luka Jovic, Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard at his disposal.

AC Milan have been heavily linked with the Spanish winger, while Juventus are also said to be interested candidates. Asensio’s entourage have told Italian outlet Sport Mediaset (via Dailycannon) that the 26-year-old has suitors from the Premier League too:

“There are also offers from a couple of English clubs, including Arsenal, we are ready to evaluate every possibility.”

The Spaniard is unlikely to make a transfer decision before the culmination of the season. If he is to depart from the Spanish capital, Real could ask for €25-30m on his sale. Reports suggest that the winger is hesitant to take Real’s 5m per year salary offer for the want of better game time. If Arsenal do want to sign Marco Asensio, they could be expected to at least match Real’s offer.

Asensio is a left-footed winger and is largely utilised on the right flank. Arsenal already have Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe who execute similar roles. The latter’s future under Arteta remains uncertain, but it still does not leave the Gunners short of options. Arteta can use Martin Odegaard or Gabriel Martinelli on the right flank, while Omari Hutchinson could also be competing for a spot in the near future.

Asensio 2021-22 Heat Map, Arsenal target, Marco Asensio — Asensio 2021-22 Heat Map. Image Obtained Via: sofascore.com

Shooting & Creativity:

Asensio doesn’t particularly stand out as a creative outlet. He does not create too many chances for his teammates, be it with his dribbling or passing. However, the Spaniard is an excellent finisher. Despite taking relatively low-value shots from far away positions, Asensio has the ability to find the back of the net with his deadly left foot.

Asensio 2021-22 Percentile Radar (Stats Obtained Via: fbref.com)

Arsenal currently lack a player who can pose a constant threat from distance. This often allows opposition defences to sit back deep and not care about even closing down spaces around the box. Asensio serves as an ideal solution to this predicament and could add another dimension to Arsenal’s attacking set-up.

Passing & Progressions:

Asensio is a safe option in possession; solid, but not spectacular. He does not often engage opponents by dribbling. Most of Asensio’s game involvement is concentrated in the opposition half but he is not very involved in the build-up and progression phase.

Asensio 2021-22 Percentile Radar, Arsenal target, Marco Asensio — Asensio 2021-22 Percentile Radar (Stats Obtained Via: fbref.com)

Defence:

Arguably the weakest aspect of Asensio’s game is his defensive contribution. The Spaniard has never been one of the most effective or efficient defenders on the field. Asensio isn’t particularly proficient, either in pressing the opponents higher up the field or defending deep in his half.

This does not bode well for Arteta’s style of play. Arsenal can alternate between a high press or a compact mid-block. This requires both wingers to continuously be on their toes, and willing to track back as deep as their own defensive box.

Verdict:

When Asensio burst onto the scene in 2017, he was one of the hottest prospects in world football. However, the Spaniard has struggled with form, consistency and injuries, and slowly found himself out of the limelight and the starting line-up: for both Spain and Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old possesses a quality skill-set nonetheless. However, his profile does not exactly suit Mikel Arteta’s requirements. Generally, Arteta prefers a wide right-forward to compensate for a more conservative right-back. Asensio is at his best in the half-spaces, where he can cut in and directly look for a shot.

Arteta also has the option to utilise Marco Asensio in a wide role on the left flank at Arsenal. However, this would inhibit the former Espanyol winger’s shooting opportunities; arguably his greatest skill.

It remains undebatable that Asensio is a quality forward. However, Arsenal currently have more urgent holes in the centre-forward, right-back and defensive-midfield positions that would need to be plugged in first. For the quoted price, Arsenal would be better off passing over this deal.

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