According to reports, Real Madrid have no difficulty selling striker Marco Asensio to Arsenal in the transfer window this summer.
A source states that the 26-year-old feels he 'deserves an upgrade' after his performances for the La Liga giants this season. His contract ends in the summer of 2023.
At 33 appearances across all competitions, Asensio has scored 10 goals and is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt. He wants a far better deal to stay in Madrid.
In addition to his current €9 million salary, Madrid have offered Asensio an extra €1.5 million in incentives if he chooses to stay with the club.
Even if Real Madrid were inclined to accept Asensio's demands, they insisted they would not "acquiesce."
That said, Arsenal are thought to be interested in signing him in the summer and the club has 'no issue' making him available for sale.
According to the report, Madrid have given Asensio until June 30 to accept their offer or else he would be placed up for sale.
While Asensio has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, former Madrid player Steve McManaman believes the striker is more likely to wind up at Arsenal.
Marco Asensio hasn't played enough for Real Madrid, he remarked in November. Probably two years ago, when he initially appeared on the scene and scored many great goals, including one in the Champions League final against Juventus in Cardiff last year and another lovely goal against Barcelona in the Super Cup the year before.
Unfortunately, he's been plagued by injuries and the fact that Real Madrid isn't the same squad it was four years ago means his performance has dropped.
Secondarily, what Real Madrid decide to do; whether they're going to bring in [Kylian] Mbappé, if they're going to try and bring in [Erling] Haaland, and that will affect Asensio's choice."
"I know a lot of Real Madrid players." For several reasons, including their love of Madrid, the lifestyle, and their desire to play for Real Madrid, they'd be happy to remain in the capital for the rest of their lives without playing a lot of football.
Perhaps Asensio is one of those guys, but if [Karim]Benzema's in front of him, Mbappé's in front of him, if Vinicius Jr. is better than him, and the possibility to go is there to him, then maybe he will take it.
"Arsenal would be my pick if it were a team next year," he said. When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is in his 30s, and Alexandre Lacazette, who is also towards the end of his contract, both leave the club, Asensio might find himself playing for a team where he feels more at home. After all, 18 months is still a long time to wait for him to go.
I believe he's an Arsenal guy, like [Martin] degaard, who's excellent on the ball, while he isn't really fast, he turns well, scores goals, and creates opportunities."
