Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid's Marco Asensio as Mikel Arteta's search for a creative player intensifies.
Arteta has been in desperate search of a creative player ahead of the new season and will be hoping to do some more business with Los Blancos, after reports have emerged that they could be willing to sell the Spaniard this summer.
Arsenal have already done recent business with Madrid, signing midfield pair Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard on-loan from the Spanish capital, and the Gunners boss may try and raid the La Liga giants once more.
With Leicester seemingly blocking a move for James Maddison, this could be the solution to Arsenal's problems.
The 25-year-old, is currently representing Spain at the Olympics, and has under two years remaining on his contract at Madrid, meaning Los Blancos could look to sell him before the end of the summer transfer window.
According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, the Arsenal are leading the race to sign the Spaniard, who could be available for a fee of £34million.
Asensio signed for Madrid back in 2015 when he joined from RCD Mallorca for a fee in the region of £3.5m, but he could be set to leave the Spanish capital over the next few weeks despite how highly he is regarded among the club's hierarchy.
Madrid president Florentino Perez tipped the winger to one day win the Ballon d'Or, as he previously said: "Asensio has become a big player and can become a Golden Ball winner.
Should Arsenal make a move to sign Marco Asensio? Comment below
Perez followed this up this bold statement by saying: "He has all the qualities to succeed. He is humble, hardworking, sensible, a team player and has tremendous quality.
"He is one of those players we signed up because he has the quality to play in the first-team."
Former Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is also a big fan of Asensio, and the Spaniard was being linked with a move away whilst he was in charge.
Zidane ensured that Asensio remained at the club during his time at the club, and said when he was linked with a move away in 2019: "I have spoken to him and told him that he will be fundamental to the team and I want him here with us."
Despite high-profile backing for the 25-year-old, his contract situation is attracting interest from elsewhere and he could be sold as Madrid try to maximise their profit on the Spaniard, even though Perez previously said: "All his team-mates recognise the quality he has and it is not about money."
Arsenal are leading the race for Asensio and could sign him for half of the amount that Leicester are demanding for Maddison.
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