Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hoping to snap up Real Madrid’s youngster Isco when the winter transfer window opens in January in a possible loan move. As Arsenal look to consolidate their position as title-contenders, a few reinforcements may be just what they need.
As reported in the Mirror, Wenger is interested in bringing the talented playmaker to England from Real Madrid. Isco is reportedly unhappy at the Santiago Bernabeu due to lack of first team opportunities.
The 24-year-old Spanish midfielder is one of the in-demand playmakers in Europe. He was bought by Real Madrid in 2013 following a spectacular spell at Malaga where he scored 17 goals in 82 games. At the Spanish capital, he never really got going after failing to secure a first-team place.
Also read: La Liga Transfer Rumour: Barcelona plotting sensational move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco
With world class midfielders in the form of James Rodriguez, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and others battling it out for a place in the team, the Spaniard has found it difficult to cement his place in the starting lineup. Now with the arrival of Marco Asensio, Isco’s task has become almost impossible.
The 24-year-old has only 18 months left on his current contract and it is unlikely that he will sign an extension. It has been widely reported that the player is not happy at being a bit-part player and is looking for a move away from Los Blancos.
While the London Evening Standard claimed that Tottenham Hotspur were interested in landing the Spaniard, now Arsenal have emerged as likely suitors. Wenger wants to bring Isco on board for the rest of the season with an option for a permanent deal at the end of the loan spell. However, there are issues with the fee still left to be sorted with Arsenal willing to pay £17million plus add-ons, while Real are holding out for £25m.
With the future of Mesut Ozil at the Emirates hanging in the balance, it is not surprising that Wenger wants a contingency. The Gunners had been linked with Isco earlier as well but a deal never materialised. Now it remains to be seen whether Isco indeed joins Arsenal in the winter.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have opened a larger gap at the top of the Premier League table stitching together 11 consecutive wins. Wenger’s men have some lost ground to catch up to be back in the title race.
