Chelsea are reportedly ready to step up their chase for Marco Asensio, who has become frustrated at the lack of regular playing time at Real Madrid.
According to Spanish publication Diario Gol, Chelsea are ready to step up their pursuit of Marco Asensio and have been encouraged by the player’s frustration at Real Madrid due to a visible lack of regular playing time this season under Zinedine Zidane.
Real Madrid have been chasing Eden Hazard for a while now, and an attempt in the summer is all but certain. But, the report states that while Chelsea would seek to replace their talisman with Asensio, who would be even more cramped for playing time if the Belgian arrives, the Blues are prepared to bring the Real Madrid sensation in regardless of whether Hazard ends up leaving.
Marco Asensio was widely hailed as the new hope of Real Madrid as he broke out in the 2016-17 campaign as not just a prodigious talent but one who was ready to take on the mantle of taking the centre-stage on the pitch, despite being surrounded by more experienced players with a more renowned career thus far.
?♂️ 31 appearances
⚽ 8 goals
➡ 4 assists @marcoasensio10 is enjoying a good second season at #RealMadrid!? Watch all of his assists! ?#HalaMadrid https://t.co/zb1qzQk9YT
— Real Madrid C.F.?? (@realmadriden) February 2, 2018
But, the current campaign has seen Asensio battle to string together a run of starts at Real Madrid, the lack of which has also seen him suffer a drop of form and consistency as well, despite a record of 8 goals and 4 assists to show for his efforts in just above 1600 minutes of playing time.
Things are unlikely to improve for the 22-year-old under Zinedine Zidane, which has prompted the Spaniard to consider his future at Real Madrid. Chelsea are looking to take advantage of the aforementioned situation, despite the fact that Florentino Perez sees Asensio as the future flagbearer of Real Madrid and does not want him to leave the club.
Indeed, at Chelsea, if Hazard leaves, Asensio could have the opportunity of becoming the focal point from the get-go. And, if he does team up with Hazard at Stamford Bridge, the two-pronged attack could become one of the deadliest in the world. Both ways, Asensio is sure to be a key player at Chelsea, something he currently is not at Real Madrid and is unlikely to become till Zidane stays.
Zinedine Zidane himself is under fire, with his managerial position in threat. And if Zidane leaves, Perez might be able to convince Asensio to stay. But, if Zidane stays at the club, we might see Asensio warrant a move away from Real Madrid in the summer.
There are sure to be other suitors. But, Manchester United, one of the prime suitors are unlikely to follow up on their interest after the arrival of Alexis Sanchez. Thus, Chelsea could be the best project for Asensio to join and we might see the 22-year-old join the Blue Army in order to do away with his Real Madrid blues.
