Real Madrid have reportedly received approaches from Premier League clubs Everton, Leeds United and Leicester City for winger Marco Asensio.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Real Madrid are ready to offload Spanish attacker Marco Asensio this summer, sparking a flurry of interest from the Premier League with Everton, Leeds United and Leicester City all interested.
Asensio signed for Real Madrid in 2015 from RCD Mallorca, soon after which he was loaned out to Espanyol. The following season, the 25-year-old was slowly integrated into the first-team, and he made the most of his chances, soon becoming a fan favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu while being tipped as the future of the Real Madrid attack.
However, things have not worked out quite that way for Asensio, who was struck down by a serious knee injury that sidelined him for an elongated period. And since returning, the 25-year-old has looked a pale shadow of his past, showing glimpses of brilliance but not being able to produce those on a consistent basis.
And, it seems like time may be running out for the Spanish international at Real Madrid as new manager Carlo Ancelotti is said to be ready to put his faith in youngsters Rodrygo Goes and Takefusa Kubo for the upcoming season, which would deem Asensio surplus to requirements and thus, sellable.
This development has led to serious interest from several Premier League clubs as per the report, with Everton, Leeds United and Leicester City all lining up to sign the 25-year-old.
Everton’s interest in Asensio makes sense amid speculations surrounding the future of Richarlison, who, interestingly, has been linked with Real Madrid. So while Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have arrived to replace Bernard and Theo Walcott, manager Rafael Benitez could do with another quality player in attack, especially with James Rodriguez also set for an exit, making Asensio a viable target.
As for Leeds, Marcelo Bielsa & co. have completed the permanent signing of Jack Harrison, who was a key part of the club’s impressive season last time out, while Raphinha also seems certain to stay put after all the speculations early in the summer. But with Helder Costa failing to impress last term, an upgrade would make sense which has led to links with Adama Traore and now his compatriot Marco Asensio.
Leicester City, meanwhile, are short on numbers in the wide areas, with Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton being the only natural wingers at Brendan Rodgers’ disposal following the exit of Cengiz Under. So, a move for someone like Asensio, who can play on either flank and has quality and experience, would come in handy.
The report adds that all three clubs approached Real Madrid, who are open to a sale considering that Asensio’s contract expires in 2023. It now remains to be seen if any of the three aforementioned clubs do end up signing the 25-year-old or if he moves to a different team altogether.