He may have only made two appearances for Real Madrid’s first team but Arsenal are plotting a lucrative contract to entice Marcos Llorente to sign in North London, report Don Balon.
According to the Spanish source, the 21-year-old midfielder – currently on loan with Deportivo Alaves – is being monitored by the Gunners who are keen to watch him develop in English football.
While Llorente is rated highly at the Bernabeu, Arsenal are reportedly willing to make a substantial bid that Real Madrid would find difficult to turn down.
After all, to boost Llorente’s salary would risk the wrath of regular first team stars whose own wages would be jeopardised at the hands of improving his.
Making his professional La Liga debut for Real Madrid in a 3-0 home victory over Levante last October, the report claims Los Blancos are keen on the Spaniard eventually taking over from current bit-part midfielder Casemiro.
With Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco also on the scene in central midfield for Zinedine Zidane right now, Arsene Wenger of course boasts a reputation for handing chances to younger players more instantly than elsewhere.
Nevertheless, with Arsenal blessed for talent in central midfield right now, it remains difficult to see exactly where Llorente could fit in over the next couple of years.