Arsenal: Charles Watts on the club’s rumoured interest in Isco

Charles Watts, the Arsenal correspondent for Goal, has been discussing the rumours linking Real Madrid’s Isco with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

According to El Confidencial (via Sport Witness), Real Madrid are thought to be ‘waiting’ for an approach from the likes of Arsenal for the midfielder.

The 28-year-old joined Los Blancos from Malaga back in July 2013 in a deal worth £27m (as per Transfermarkt) and since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu, he’s made 313 appearances for the club, contributing 51 goals and 54 assists.

Isco is also experienced at international level, having featured 38 times for the Spanish national side after he was handed his debut by Vicente del Bosque at 20 years old (as per Transfermarkt).

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However, when speaking during a recent video on his YouTube channel, Watts made it clear that in his opinion, Real Madrid are hoping to lure the north London club into making a move as opposed to them having already expressed a concrete interest. Here is what he had to say:

“I’ve certainly not heard anything to suggest Arsenal are really looking at Isco, and even the reports and the rumours that are being bandied about on social media, and the stories that are being written about it aren’t saying that Arsenal are interested.

“It’s more saying that Real Madrid are hoping Arsenal become interested and almost push up the price for Isco, who it looks like they’re quite happy to move on. I’ve not seen anything of any substance from a media outlet even saying that Arsenal want to sign Isco. It’s more that Real Madrid are hoping to get Arsenal involved in a bidding process.”

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TIF Thoughts on Charles Watts’ comments regarding Isco…

Considering Arsenal haven’t scored a goal in open play in the Premier League since their win over Sheffield United back at the start of October, you could argue they could do with the creativity of a player such as Isco – who is renowned for his ability to play through balls and key passes (as per WhoScored).

Isco has enjoyed both domestic and European success during his time in Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League four times and the Spanish title twice (via Transfermarkt).

The attacking midfielder is currently valued at £27m and has less than two years remaining on his contract with the Spanish giants, so it will be interesting to see whether the Gunners are tempted into making a move for the Spaniard either when the transfer window opens in January or next summer.

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