Arsenal are reportedly ready to step up their pursuit for Real Madrid midfielder Isco in the winter transfer window, according to reports in the Metro.
The Spanish international has been a long-term target for the North London club, with the Gunners having been linked with a move for the midfielder since his time at Malaga.
The report states that the Gunners are ready to pay £36.6 million to sign Real Madrid sensation Isco during the January transfer window. His future at the Bernabeu is unclear due to the wealth of talented players in competition for a spot in the Spanish club’s starting line-up.
However, it will be difficult to manufacture a deal, with the young midfielder currently in favour at Madrid, but Arsene Wenger is still expected to make him a contract offer to try and tempt the play-maker to switch clubs.
The Spaniard has taken advantage of Bale’s injury troubles this season and has broken into the Madrid team with aplomb this season. He has scored a goal and assisted five in 12 La Liga starts this season.
Isco fits the bill of Wenger’s transfer requirements, as he’s versatile and young, but he won’t be cheap as his buyout clause alone is 30 million pounds. His controlling, authoritative and incisive style in possession are his greatest assets. There is no doubt that he is an incredible talent, but the Gunners have too many players who play the same brand of football.
Arsenal need a defensive midfielder who can help out the defense when the situation demands and despite his talents he is just not the player for us at this point, as he doesn’t possess the natural physicality that we desperately need at the moment.
Defense is the top priority in the winter transfer window and if we have any more funds remaining after adhering to our needs then we can look to strengthen other positions. Isco is a top-class player, someone who could have a positive impact, but we currently need players who can address our needs before anything else.
Is Isco the player we need right now?
