Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Isco runs with the ball during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 1, 2020. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Football.london, Arsenal have emerged as a possible destination for Isco. The Blancos midfielder is out of favour at the club and is currently on the fringes of the first-team. He has been linked with an exit in recent months as clubs like Everton are also in the chase.
The 28-year-old Spanish midfielder started his youth career at Atletico Benamiel CF in 1999 and spent 7 years in their academy. Valencia recruited him for their youth setup.
He spent a few seasons in the youth sides before being promoted to the Valencia B team in 2009. While he was a part of the B team, he was often called up to the senior side. He went on to make 7 appearances for the senior side before departing for Malaga CF in 2011.
Isco shot to fame with his performances for Malaga as he was awarded the Golden Boy award in 2013. He won the U-21 European Championship for Spain. He contributed to 29 goals in 84 appearances for Malaga (source – Transfermarkt) and that was enough to attract the attention of Real Madrid in 2013.
Ever since signing for Real, he has had a mixed bag with occasional bursts of good performances coupled with periods of being out of the team. He has won 4 Champions League titles and 2 La Liga titles for the Blancos but currently finds himself on the fringes.
The playmaker is a regular for the Spanish national team at this point, with 38 appearances and 12 goals so far.
One would be lying if they said Arsenal haven’t improved under Mikel Arteta. The club has found a new direction and are progressing well in their path. There are areas of improvement but one needs to applaud the work done by the Spaniard.
One of the areas Arsenal have struggled is the attack. The club are producing some steely displays but those are not producing goals. Without goals, there are no wins. Arteta has largely opted to use a double pivot of Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. That is not without reason as both offer the side a huge advantage in defence.
The problem is that even they cannot call on a creative playmaker even if they wish to, as they have none. Mesut Ozil is in exile as the club still searches for another attacking midfielder. However, they should look no further than Madrid as the Blancos are looking to get Isco off their books. Arsenal should take advantage of that.
Arsenal should clearly move for the diminutive Spaniard as he fits the bill of what they want. He is a nifty dribbler of the ball and can play the one-twos easily. Capable of providing the killer ball too, he would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal.
