Arsenal have set their sights on Real Madrid youngster Marcos Llorente. If reports in Spain are to be believed, then the Gunners are considering a move for the 21-year-old midfielder next summer. This came as a surprise link up as the youngster has not been given much opportunity at Real to display his abilities.
Llorente is currently on a season-long loan at Deportivo Alaves. He signed up for Alaves in search for more game time and so far the youngster has fared well, since the start of the season. Despite the gap between youth and senior level, he has played in all of Alaves’ six La Liga fixtures apart from being an unused substitute in their 1-1 away draw with Atletico Madrid at the end of August.
Born in Madrid, Llorente, is a product of Real Madrid youth system, whom he joined at the age of 13. In July 2014, manager Zinedine Zidane promoted the player to the reserves after impressing with the Juvenil squad. Llorente made his professional and La Liga debut for Real in October 2015, as a substitute for Mateo Kovacic.
Although considered to be one of the most talented young players Llorente, is yet to establish himself in Zidane’s starting line-up. As such, Real are expecting the youngster to battle Casemiro, who is currently out of action due to fracturing his left leg, for the starting spot next season. Nonetheless, with the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric ahead of him in the pecking order game time at Bernabeu could be hard to come by.
Arsenal are keen on signing the player next summer, however, the Gunners will have to offer him a lot more to convince him to a move to London. Arsenal, will obviously need to give him an upgrade in his wages and most importantly assure him of regular first team chances, which is far from guaranteed at the Emirates. However, the player’s lack of first team chances at Real after his stint at Alaves could work as an advantage for the Gunners.
Although considering Real’s Transfer ban, it would come as a surprise if they let one of their most talented youngsters leave the club. No to mention, the possibilities of injuries and suspensions of key players, with Casemiro out of action and Luka Modric sustaining injury on a regular basis, which consequently increases the workload in the midfield for Toni Kroos and Mateo Kovacic, may be a factor for Llorente’s stay at Bernabeu.
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