Real Madrid superstar Isco reportedly has offers from Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester City over a possible move next summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet OK Diario, Isco is being linked with a move away from Real Madrid in next summer’s transfer window. Chelsea and Manchester City are interested in signing the Spanish international, and the Premier League clubs have already tabled their initial offers to him.
Isco has always been a hit and miss player at Real Madrid, particularly because he has never quite managed to nail down a regular spot for himself in the starting lineup over the last five years. A similar pattern has ensued this season as well, as even though he was a mainstay under Julen Lopetegui, he is yet to start a game under Santiago Solari.
His own inconsistencies have played a huge part in it, while the latest reports suggest that Isco might be overweight. His current position at Real Madrid has unsurprisingly given way to speculation surrounding his future at the Bernabeu, with Chelsea and Manchester City keen on signing him.
Both Chelsea and Manchester City are, in fact, long-term suitors of the 26-year-old, having made several attempts to sign him in previous transfer windows as well. But, next summer might just present the perfect opportunity to swoop him away from Real Madrid.
At Chelsea, Isco could be a like-for-like replacement for Mateo Kovacic, who is likely to return to Real Madrid after his loan deal ends, considering the Blues do not have an option to buy him permanently. Alternatively, the Spaniard could also line up in the front three, with his versatility making him an attractive target.
Meanwhile, at Manchester City, Isco could theoretically help phase David Silva out of the squad and replace his compatriot in the long-term. But Silva’s role was set to be reduced this season as well, which has not quite happened owing to his brilliant form so far in the campaign, with the veteran playmaker being one of the best players for the Premier League champions.
So, the offer from Manchester City comes as a bit of a surprise, although it goes without saying that Isco would boost Pep Guardiola’s options considerably. However, the player could end up sharing his game time at Etihad, just like he does at Real Madrid, making Chelsea a more appealing move.
Real Madrid were also reported to be interested in tying Isco down to a new and improved deal in recent months, although those rumours have simmered off. For now, Chelsea and Manchester City will fancy their chances of snapping up the 26-year-old next summer, and it remains to be seen if his position improves in the coming months, or if he ends up leaving the club.
