Mikel Arteta has been told that Marco Asensio would be a 'perfect' signing for Arsenal in the summer. The Real Madrid star has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium on a number of occasions throughout his career but a switch has never materialised.
Asensio, who sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June, has featured 31 times for Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, directly contributing towards 11 goals. The Spain international has impressed in spells for the Spanish giants, scoring three in his previous five La Liga appearances.
With Manchester City only a couple of points behind the Gunners in the Premier League title race, Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Arsenal to bolster their squad depth in the summer. Speaking to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker suggested that Asensio is the ideal candidate who suits the characteristics of Arteta's tactics.
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"It’s exactly the sort of signing they need," Agbonlahor said. "Asensio isn’t playing as much as he’d like right now. But he’s done so many good things for a long time at Real Madrid.
"He gets into tight spaces, he’s a flair player. They are the characteristics that Arsenal will be searching for this summer.
"And you look at their bench sometimes and just feel like they could do with a few extra top-quality signings. For me, he’s perfect. If Arsenal want to stay in that title fight every year, they’ve got to add to this squad."
In November, Asensio revealed that he would be 'very happy' to stay at Real Madrid with his contract expiring in the summer. Speaking to Radio Marca, the 27-year-old said: "There is talk that I am changing Real Madrid’s mind.
"But I have always tried to give the best that I have inside and then it will be known. The one who decides, too, is the club, it does not only depend on me.
"After the World Cup, we'll both make a decision. What if I want to renew? Hopefully it can happen and I’ll be very happy at Real Madrid for many years, hopefully everything will be given to stay for 10 more years."
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