According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Leicester Live), Leicester City are battling with Leeds United and Everton for Real Madrid star, Marco Asensio. The Premier League trio is said to have made offers for the 25-year-old winger, and the player is seen by Carlo Ancelotti as someone he can part ways with this summer.
Asensio arrived at Santiago Bernabeu six years back from Mallorca. Since then, he has been sent out on loan once, to Espanyol during his first season as a Galactico. He is now one of Madrid’s important senior players and is on a contract that expires in 2023. But should Brendan Rodgers be tempted into bringing the Spaniard to Leicester?
Currently, Leicester City would be wise to get in a player like Asensio. That is because the Spain international is adept at playing as a number 10, as well as a winger on both flanks. This trait of his would be of benefit to the Foxes considering the situation surrounding their current squad. Let us take a look at their flanks.
Rachid Ghezzal does not really look like someone who will be favoured by Rodgers in his starting XI too often this season. That is because since the 29-year-old arrived at The King Power Stadium in 2018, he has been sent out on loan twice, most recently to Besiktas in Turkey last season. This leaves them a little short on the wings.
The English duo of Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton is the only real pairing on the wings that they have for the senior team. James Maddison can play out wide as well, but the player has been used majorly as an attacking playmaker and is heavily linked to Arsenal, as per a report by Mirror. Hence, it is evident that the Northern Irishman requires some depth in his squad in these areas.
Speaking of natural number 10s, Leicester are also devoid of any real backup for their 24-year-old star, Maddison. Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet can play there occasionally, but the Belgian duo is largely trusted in the centre of the pitch. This is where Asensio would come in. With one signing, Rodgers could add depth to those areas on the pitch- the flanks as well as the attacking midfield area.
If, in case, Maddison leaves, then the Madrid star’s arrival at Leicester would be even more important for the club in terms of finding a replacement for the outgoing player. Regardless of that, Asensio would offer great competition for starts and given his status and career with Madrid so far, would warrant a place in matchday squads week in week out.
He is also in the final two years of his deal and seen as disposable by the club, which could indicate that the Foxes can have a slight advantage in any potential negotiations for him. But if they want Asensio, a player with 286 club appearances and 26 caps for Spain, then Rodgers should be quick to make his move considering Everton and Leeds are also sharing an interest in the attacker.
