Arsenal set for another transfer blow after Mudryk with La Liga star 'keen to renew' contract

Arsenal have been dealt another blow this January following reports that transfer target Marco Asensio is keen to sign a new contract at Real Madrid.

Mikel Arteta looked set to sign Mykhailo Mudryk earlier this month, only for London rivals Chelsea to hijack their plans and poach the 23-year-old instead.

As a result, the Gunners have had to look elsewhere, signing Leandro Trossard from Brighton earlier this week.

They were also thought to have their eyes on Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, who featured for Spain at the World Cup in Qatar.

The 27-year-old was rumoured with a move to North London last month, after it emerged that Los Blancos would be open to offers.

Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo claimed that Real could sell Asensio this January, along with a host of other fringe players.

With his contract set to run out this summer, and a deal not yet agreed, the Gunners are thought to be on red alert, according to the report.

Asensio keen to stay at Madrid

However, in a recent interview, the Spaniard hinted at his desire to stay with the 14-time Champions League winners.

Asensio came off the bench to set up former Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos' winning goal in his side's 3-2 victory over Villarreal in the Copa Del Rey quarter-finals earlier this month.

Speaking to Spanish outlet AS after the game, Asensio stated: “I would like to renew and continue for many years, but it does not only depend on me. For me, the important thing is to be happy in sporting terms and I hope it will be at Madrid.”

With the player seemingly eager to sit down with Real Madrid’s board so that they can come to an agreement, Arteta may be waiting patiently, with a view to pounce should he become available.

He is yet to start a game under Carlo Ancelotti since returning from Qatar. However, a glowing review from former manager Zidane in 2017 - comparing him to Lionel Messi, should get Gunners fans excited.

When he was 21, Asensio told Madrid radio station COPE (via The Independent): "Zidane told me that, since Messi, he had never seen a left foot like mine."