Real Madrid have reportedly slapped a valuation of €50 million on Spanish international Marco Asensio, with Barcelona monitoring his situation.
According to a report from Spanish publication OK Diario, Real Madrid are ready to cash in on several first-team players this term as they look to generate necessary funds to move for top targets Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland. And, Spanish international Marco Asensio is one such star who the Merengues are open to selling this summer.
Asensio has been with Real Madrid since 2015, having joined from Real Mallorca. After a season out on loan at Espanyol, the 25-year-old become an integral member of the first-team setup at the Santiago Bernabeu and was heralded as the next big thing in Spanish football.
Asensio, for his part, pretty much lived up to that billing in the early stages of his career at Real Madrid but has seen his form wane over the past year or so, with injuries hampering the Spaniard. Despite having gotten plenty of opportunities this term, the 25-year-old has failed to make the most of it, producing a return of just four goals and two assists from 34 games.
Real Madrid, who like other Spanish clubs, are going through a bit of a financial crunch, are now open to offloading him in the summer transfer window. The Merengues have their sights set on a new star forward with either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland likely to arrive at the club before next season.
Both strikers will command massive transfer fees though for which Real Madrid must make up funds by selling some first-team stars. Asensio is claimed to be one among those who could be sold, along with Raphael Varane, on whom Los Blancos have reportedly slapped a €70 million valuation.
As for Asensio, Real Madrid will demand a sum of €50 million for his services, with arch-rivals Barcelona said to be keen. The Blaugrana had made an attempt to land the 25-year-old while he was still at Mallorca, only to be beaten by the Spanish capital outfit, something that the player himself has acknowledged in the past.
And, Asensio being put on the transfer market might be of interest to the Catalans, as per the report. However, Real Madrid will veto any such move as they have no intentions of selling the Spanish international to their direct rivals. There has been reported interest from Premier League champions, Liverpool, in the past as well.
So, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Asensio. As things stand though, there is a possibility that the 25-year-old could be allowed to leave by Real Madrid come the end of the season. A move to Barcelona, though, appears to be unlikely.