Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Marco Asensio. But, a deal never managed to materialise, meaning the winger stayed in the Spanish capital following the closing of the market.
The Spanish winger sent Edu a reminder of why Arsenal should once again look to pursue a deal in the future as he has been a standout player for Spain in the group stages of the World Cup. He has been given opportunities which has not been afforded to him at Real Madrid.
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Calciomercato, as cited by HITC, claim that agent Jorge Mendes is attempting to get Asensio’s name out there ahead of a potential January move. Asensio is out of contract in 2023 and Mendes is seemingly checking whether clubs would pay a small fee in January or take the Spaniard for nothing next summer.
This was supported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano in the summer transfer window as he said via Wettfreunde: "Asensio has been offered by his agent to many important English clubs including Arsenal, Man United in the last two weeks."
The Real Madrid playmaker has played a supporting role at the Bernabeu under Carlo Ancelotti, scoring 12 goals in his 42 appearances in all competitions last season. Asensio could leave the club in search of regular first-team football after only averaging 50 minutes per match in the 2021/22 campaign.
And he has also found starting game time limited this season for Los Blancos, as Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde dominate the wide areas for La Liga side. However, Asensio has found joy in the World Cup, which has allowed him to showcase his ability.
The Spaniard started in his country’s opening two matches of the World Cup, as Luis Enrique’s Spain side top their group going into the final matchday. Asensio has played an important part in this, as he has been given a starting role on the left-hand side.
The Spaniard’s versatility could also be a key factor in Edu deciding to pursue a deal in the January transfer window. Despite being a natural winger, Asensio can also feature in the middle of the park or in a more attacking midfield role.
Mikel Arteta had problems with the midfield last season due to the lack of quality in squad depth, and that has hindered the club’s progress at times. If the Spaniard opts for three players in the centre of midfield, then Asensio would also be an option to have on the left-hand side for the future.
The Spain international has carried his impressive exploits from previous into the new campaign. With the winger excelling in the World Cup, he has sent a reminder to Edu that he should look to explore a transfer once the market reopens.
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