Arsenal are on the hunt for a new winger ahead of the next campaign. Mikel Arteta has identified Raphinha as the ideal signing to complete this target, but a deal has been incredibly difficult to get over the line.
It is important that Edu searches for alternatives to prevent the Gunners from leaving the summer transfer window empty-handed in the wing positions. A useful alternative for the north London side would be Marco Asensio, who could be available for a transfer.
However, the Gunners are not the only side to register Premier League interest as, according to Spanish news outlet AS, Liverpool have also submitted an offer for the Spaniard. Edu has shown so far to be proactive in this window with the signings of Fabio Vieira and Marqinhos, and he will need to follow this model in the pursuit for a winger in this window.
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Earlier last week, The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported that Arsenal had a bid rejected by Leeds United, with the player also not viewing the Gunners as a preferred move with Chelsea and Barcelona both linked to the winger. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has quoted Raphinha to cost around £65million.
A potential transfer for Raphinha looks like a tough task to complete, which is why Asensio would certainly be an ideal alternative. The Mirror has stated that Arsenal had contacted the agent of Real Madrid star Asensio over a potential transfer.
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. Whilst it is believed Madrid want to keep Asensio at the club, the Spain international is yet to decide his future and could leave the club in search of regular first-team football after only averaging 50 minutes per match in the 2021/22 campaign.
The Spaniard’s versatility could also be a key factor in Edu deciding to pursue a deal if the proposed Raphina transfer falls through. 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.
Raphinha should certainly still be the priority for Arsenal. But if a transfer collapses for the Brazilian, then the Gunners can explore a transfer for Asensio from Real Madrid before a move to Liverpool advances for the Spaniard.
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