Transfer News: Chelsea to rival Manchester United in Marco Asensio pursuit

Chelsea are reportedly set to rival Manchester United in the pursuit of Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, who is garnering interest from a host of top clubs

Tribal Football have reported that Chelsea and Manchester United are among a host of top European clubs interested in Real Madrid star Marco Asensio. The player was heavily linked with the Red Devils and it looks like the Blues are set to rival their former manager in pursuit of the Spaniard.

Other clubs like Juventus, Sevilla, Valencia and Espanyol have also registered their interest in the player. The aforementioned clubs, along with Chelsea, have already enquired about the availability of Asensio while Jose Mourinho is an avid admirer of the Real Madrid star.

There have been earlier reports of Manchester United being interested in Marco Asensio, with Jose Mourinho eyeing a move for the attacker. Asensio has been phenomenal for Real Madrid after breaking into the first-team setup this season, with a return of 8 goals and and assist in a total of 24 appearances across all competitions.

But, despite his rise to prominence, given the array of talent at Zidane’s disposal, the Frenchman has addressed the issue of Asensio’s game time. Club president Florentino Perez is also fully aware of the talents of the Spanish international who arrived from RCD Mallorca, and holds the player in high regard.

Perez has made his stance on the player clear at earlier times, with Asensio regarded as a future key player in the first-team setup at Santiago Bernabeu and will not be sold by the club.

However, if Asensio continues to produce magical performances and does not get the extended playing time in return, the player’s insistence on a more prominent role could force the club’s hand and Real Madrid could seek a move for the player, if only temporarily.

But, the likes of clubs that are showing interest are unlikely to be in favour of a loan move and would not scoff at spending millions in order to land Asensio permanently.

Chelsea are looking to add to the attacking department in the summer as Champions League football is all but sealed for next season. Manchester United, too, are looking for a wide player to fill the gap left by Memphis Depay.

Both the clubs have been linked with many high profile players, Antoine Griezmann, Ivan Perisic and Bernardo Silva among some of the names that have been linked with both the clubs in the recent times.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus can all provide Asensio with a club brand of the same stature as Real along with a more prominent role in the squad.

And, if nothing changes between now and the summer, we may just be seeing Asensio seek a move away from the Bernabeu in order to continue and further his growth as a player, both domestically and internationally.