Report: Mikel Arteta really wants Arsenal to sign Marco Asensio

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Mikel Arteta really wants Arsenal to sign Marco Asensio this summer, with AS reporting that the Gunners boss is a great supporter of the move for the forward.

Asensio could leave Real Madrid in the coming weeks. His contract at the Bernabeu expires at the end of next season. And no extension appears to be in sight.

Reports this week claimed that Arsenal are willing to make an offer for the 26-year-old. Real meanwhile, are looking for up to £34.5 million for the Spain international.

And it seems that Arteta may be the driving force behind the Gunners’ interest in Asensio. AS reports that the Arsenal boss is a huge fan of the three-time Champions League winner.

Arteta really wants Asensio

Of course, Arsenal’s need to push for a player such as Asensio has probably increased in the last few hours. Unfortunately, it now appears to be unlikely that Raphinha will be ending up at the Emirates.

Reports on Tuesday suggested that he was looking set to join Chelsea with the Blues prepared to pay £60 million for the Brazil international.

Arsenal had previously made the early running in the race to sign Raphinha. They had seen one offer rejected and were expected to come back with another.

At the time, it appeared to be a real gamble from the Gunners. Reports suggested that they offered less than £40 million for the 25-year-old with their initial bid.

That looked unlikely to have any benefit to Arsenal unless it left Raphinha determined to seal a move to the Emirates. And it probably has cost the club ultimately.

Chelsea have wasted little time having needed to play catch-up. And Arsenal are now having to look elsewhere.

Asensio is not the same player. But he would strengthen Arsenal’s options in the final third. And it seems that Arteta is determined to get a deal done.