Marco Asensio: Real Madrid star subject to Arsenal & Liverpool interest

James Shearman

19 Jun 2022 10:41 BST
3 min read

Marco Asensio, Real Madrid, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Marco Asensio has been linked with a summer transfer away from Real Madrid, with Liverpool and Arsenal cited as possible destinations.

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Asensio made started just two games of Los Blancos' Champions League campaign, indicating that he is pretty much surplus to requirements these days.

The Spaniard has suffered with injury problems over the last few years, and with his contract set to expire 2023, Madrid are reportedly set to cash in on the Mallorca academy graduate this year.

Real are also looking to balance the books after the signings of Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger.

Asensio scored 10 goals in La Liga this season, which is his best ever tally in his professional career.

However, having threatened to turn into a superstar during his early years at Santiago Bernabeu, at 26 years of age, he no longer has the potential to accomplish this.

That said, the Spaniard remains a quality player who could contribute much more to another team, even one in the Champions League.

A host of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in signing Asensio, including Manchester United and Newcastle, though it is Liverpool and Arsenal that are leading the race as it stands.

Asensio to Liverpool or Arsenal?

Real Madrid will demand between €35-40 million for any clubs attempting to buy Asensio this summer, according to Sport.

But, with just 12 months left on his deal at Real Madrid, it's perhaps unrealistic to expect so much money for a player who has never been a first-team regular at the club.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal have cash to spend, though, and Asensio would certainly improve both squads.

Liverpool have told Marco Asensio’s representatives they are interested in signing the Spaniard. Real Madrid want £35m for him. [@DiarioAS] 🇪🇸🗞 pic.twitter.com/Rw7s7pQvKI
— PF | Transfer News (@PurelyFootball) June 19, 2022

Although, at Liverpool, the 26-year-old would be restricted to the same role that he has carried out in Spain - a squad player.

The Reds already have Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and new signing Darwin Nunez as forward options.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could provide Asensio with more gametime, with only really Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to compete with.

Those players are excellent, so the Real Madrid man is not a necessity, but the Gunners need to react to the business taking place at North London rivals Tottenham.