Could Marco Asensio leave Real Madrid for Arsenal or Liverpool?

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Marco Asensio finds his Real Madrid future in doubt, with Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly both interested in signing the Spain international.

The 24-year-old, who was once regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, has failed to live up to expectations at Santiago Bernabeu.

Injuries have hampered his progress in recent times and it’s looking likely that he’ll never live up to his enormous potential.

Asensio hasn’t registered a single goal or assist in five La Liga starts this season.

Still, it’s hardly a surprise that clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool might be willing to gamble on him, as he could be a huge asset if able to find his best form.

According to Don Balon, Los Blancos would be willing to let Asensio leave for a fee of around £54m (€60m).

Asensio to Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta’s side have gone backwards in the attacking department, averaging just one goal a game, which is worse than under previous manager Unai Emery.  

This, along with the decision to leave Mesut Ozil out of their Premier League squad this season, has meant that Arsenal’s lack of creativity has become abundantly clear.

Asensio would appear to be an upgrade on flop signings Willian and Nicolas Pepe, and could help star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to recapture his goalscoring form.

As a provider from wide areas, Asensio would allow Arteta to stick with the two holding midfield players, which he feels he needs to protect a fragile defence, while adding punch to a team that often flatters to deceive in front of goal.

The transfer fee could be an issue for the north London club, though, with the deadline day signing of Thomas Partey from Atletico taking the Gunners’ spend to nearly £80m this summer.

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Move to Liverpol

Liverpool, however, would benefit from having Asensio as a rotation option as Jurgen Klopp continues to battle against injuries to his key players.

The German manager may want to add squad depth in attacking areas to allow him to rest star men Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

But Asensio’s awkward fit in Klopp’s system could be a reason the Red’s don’t go after the forward.  

Asensio lacks the blistering pace and directness of the current wingers as well as the willingness to track back and perform his defensive responsibilities.

It would take a period of adaptation for Asensio to succeed at Liverpool that the champions don’t have time for if they are to challenge for silverware on all fronts again this campaign.