According to reports from The Express this afternoon, Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez could be tempted to part with attacking midfielder Isco in January if a suitor meets his £37million valuation.
The 23 year-old has registered 109 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos since arriving at the Bernabeu from Malaga in summer 2013, netting 17 times and helping them claim the 2014 Champions League title in the process.
But his status in the starting Xi has often been dependent upon the fitness of Real Madrid’s more coveted and lucrative names – the likes of Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo for example – which caused friction between the Spaniard and former manager Carlo Ancelotti last season.
The ex-Chelsea gaffer’s replacement, fellow ex-Chelsea gaffer Rafa Benitez, is believed to have assured Isco of a more regular role and so far this term he’s made two La Liga starts from a possible three.
But according to The Express, who cite reports from Spanish publication Fichajes, the summer arrival of Mateo Kovacic could once again force Isco down the pecking order, leading to a departure in the new year.
They claim Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is particularly keen on launching a January bid for the 5 foot 9 playmaker – fearing his value could soar at next summer’s European Championship. But Isco boasts a vast array of long-term admirers, not least including Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, according to reports from the summer.
Whether any of the aforementioned clubs are willing to meet Benitez’ £37million valuation, however, remains to be seen.
Also in the news:
Arsenal face Chelsea in race for £14m Belgium prodigy
£22m bid rejected for Arsenal and Spurs strike target
Chelsea to solve crisis with shock swoop for Man United star
Arsenal and Barca set for January bidding war over PL’s top attacker
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