Juventus’ bid to land Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio has just become complicated after Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool have registered their interest as well. Asensio was tipped to leave the Los Blancos this summer after failing to garner regular game time. However, the Spaniard stayed at the club but hasn’t experienced any change in his situation with zero starts in only 4 appearances so far.
Asensio’s current deal at Real expires next summer, and talks of extension haven’t been heard. As a result, he is considering other options for next summer as he becomes a free agent by then. But he will be under his rights to negotiate with potential suitors in January and a even pen a deal. Many of the Europe’s top clubs have circled around the winger, who has a pool of destinations to pick from.
Barcelona tracking the Real Madrid winger as well alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus
Arsenal have been previously linked with Marcos Asensio as well, with the Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta keen on adding more attacking potent to his team. Rumours of talks held between Arsenal and Asensio’s representatives were also reported, but the winger himself opted out and chose to stay at Real. The Londoners however now plan to reapproach Asensio next summer as he will be available for free.
On the other hand, Liverpool too want the Spain international as they look to provide some stern competition to Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger has failed to emulate his regular exploits so far this season, netting just 3 goals in 8 games. Liverpool feel Asensio, who also plies his trade on the right wing could provide an adequate backup as well as push Salah for the starting spot.
However, Arsenal and Liverpool will first have to fend-off competition from Juventus who were among the firsts to enquire about the 26-year-old this summer. The Turin outfit lost Paulo Dybala this summer as he left as a free agent and joined AS Roma. Juventus want to replace Dybala, and have identified Asensio as their prime target. Moreover, his availability for free next summer has further ignited Juventus’ plans to snap him up.
There is no surprise Asensio has attracted the likes of so many European giants, as he has proved his mettle with the Los Blancos. The former Mallorca man has 50 goals and 24 assists to his name at Real across 239 appearances, also winning a staggering 15 trophies at the club. However, the rise of Brazilian winger Rodrygo and Fede Valverde’s blistering displays on the right wing have sent Asensio down the pecking order at Santiago Bernabeu.
There is one surprise however, with Real’s Clasico rivals Barcelona wanting to acquire the services of their winger. The Catalan club has joined the race to land Asensio, much to the surprise of both the player as well as his current employers. Barca manager Xavi is reportedly an admirer of the 30-cap Spain international and has asked the club to explore the options of bringing him to Spotify Camp Nou.
As of now, Asensio is said to be focusing on the national team with the FIFA World Cup just around the corner. He was part of Luis Enrique’s team for the Nations League double header against Switzerland and Portugal this week, managing a start in the defeat against the former. He will hope to gather as many minutes as possible before the global tournament to be in the best shape in Qatar. January will be the decider if all he opts to negotiate with any of his potential suitors.