One of Real Madrid's main goals this summer was to reinforce their backline, which has been leaking in goals for fun for the last two seasons, and so far they've been making moves to do just that. The club has already announced the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Denzel Dumfries, all of whom are expected to slot right into the starting lineup. As a result there are a number of players who are now surplus players the club are looking to get rid of, and according to new reports, the Premier League champions could be an unlikely outlet for one of these surplus players.
As being reported by the Daily Mail, Arsenal have been linked with a potential move for Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio as the Gunenrs look to fill the gap left following William Saliba's injury. The Frenchman has undergone back surgery and is expected to be out for a number of months, and as a result the Premier League could look to make a move for the surplus defender before the transfer window closes.
Premier League champions ready to give Asencio an outlet
Asencio came through the ranks at Real Madrid through the Castilla academy system and was somewhat thrown into the fire during the 24/25 season due to the injury crisis that Real Madrid were dealing with at the time, and he made quite the impression when he got called up. The defender made 46 appearances in the 24/25 season and at first reminded many of a young Sergio Ramos, however the 25/26 season wasn't as kind to the 23-year-old.
The defender made just 34 appearances last season, a season where he dealt with a number of injuries leading to a drop in form as well as the arrival of Dean Huijsen causing the defender to lose out on a possible starting role. Konate's arrival this summer doesn't help either and with all of Konate, Huijsen, Militao, and Rudiger in the squad Asencio is the odd man out and the defender most likely to get sold.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly informed the player he isn't part of his plans and he should look for a new club this summer with Turkish side Besiktas reported to have held strong interest in the defender, but it seems he has also caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and the reigning Premier League Champions. As mentioned earlier William Saliba will be out for an extended period of time and the Gunners will no doubt be desperate to fill his place if they hope to defend their Premier League title.
Asencio is currently valued at around €20 million which is a fair price given his age and potential for improvement. If he is to get sold don't be surprised if Real Madrid include a buy-back clause in the deal as we have seen with a number of other youngsters they sell so they can bring him back if he shows the step up the club is looking for.
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