Arsenal are reportedly among four clubs that are interested in wantaway Real Madrid defender Marcelo, who has asked for a summer exit.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Marcelo is keen on leaving Real Madrid in this summer’s transfer window. The Brazilian has requested Zinedine Zidane for him to be sold, with Arsenal, apart from PSG, AC Milan and Juventus in pursuit of the Brazilian defender.
Marcelo has gone on to become an iconic name at Real Madrid since joining the club as a prodigious teenager in January 2007. Signed as a successor to Roberto Carlos, the Brazilian has filled his legendary compatriot’s shoes, having been one of the pillars on whom Los Blancos have built their success on over the last decade or so.
In 12 years at Real Madrid, the 31-year-old has amassed nearly 500 appearances, becoming the standard bearer of a modern full-back while also being entrusted with the vice captaincy at the club. But, after what was a disastrous 2018-19 season, there seems to be uncertainty surrounding his position at the Santiago Bernabeu.
French left-back Ferland Mendy has been a part of the staggering spending spree done by Real Madrid this summer. And, it is Mendy’s signing that has left Marcelo questioning his position at the club, as per the report. As a result, a number of European bigwigs seem to be showing interest in the Brazil international, including Arsenal.
The interest from Arsenal though, comes as a bit of a surprise, seeing as they already boast two left-backs in Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac. While there were concerns over Monreal’s future at the Emirates, the Spaniard is reportedly set to sign a one-year extension on his contract.
Kolasinac, on the other hand, does have some uncertainty surrounding his Arsenal future, having previously been linked with an exit. And, even if one considers Monreal to be better suited as a centre-back now, the Gunners are also reported to be closing in on the capture of Kieran Tierney.
In such a scenario, it is hard to see where Marcelo would fit unless Kolasinac is sold by Arsenal this summer. Nevertheless, the wantaway Real Madrid defender would bring years of experience and some much-needed winning mentality to the North London club.
Having said that, the likes of PSG, Juventus and AC Milan are also showing an interest in Marcelo, meaning Arsenal could be in a dogfight for the Brazilian full-back. And, if the report is anything to go by, the 31-year-old has insisted that Real Madrid listen to offers for him this summer.
It surely comes as a shock that one of Zinedine Zidane’s trusted lieutenant has asked for a summer exit in search of a last contract with a top European club in professional football. But, provided the claims made by Sport are indeed true, it will be interesting to see if Marcelo’s Real Madrid career comes to an end, and if Arsenal do land him.
