Isco, who is reportedly a target for Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, has admitted to being frustrated over the lack of game time at Real Madrid.
After nabbing a slick hat-trick in Spain’s 6-1 thrashing of Argentina during the international break, former Malaga midfielder Isco admitted in his post match interview to not feeling like he has a central role in Real Madrid’s starting XI due to the lack of consistent game time.
As reported by The Sun, while speaking about his irregular game time this season, he said “When a footballer doesn’t feel like he has a leading role and consistent playing time with his club, the national team gives him life. I have the confidence of my coach here with Spain.”
He then went onto say that still wanted to keep working, improving to try and make a place in the starting XI for himself, before adding “At [Real] Madrid I don’t have the consistent playing time that a player needs. But I know the problem is mine, that I haven’t been able to earn it. I continue to work so I can show my coach he can count on me.”
Over the course of the current campaign, Isco has made 40 appearances in all competitions. However, he has only managed to start 29 of those games. The report goes onto state that these comments could set off a three way battle between Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham for the Spanish international midfielder.
Most recently, it was reported that City were planning a huge £75 million summer move for the Spaniard. The Citizens have been linked with a move for Isco for a while now and he could be the perfect long term replacement for club legend David Silva, who is 32 now.
He could also be a good fit for Chelsea, and could slot into the centre of Antonio Conte’s five-man midfield perfectly, or even upfront with the striker. At 25, he would be a good long-term prospect and could also provide competition to current creator-in-chief Cesc Fabregas.
Also, with Eden Hazard being constantly linked with a summer move away to Real Madrid, a swap deal or even a player+cash deal could be a big possibility. Chelsea’s cross town rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with a move for him numerous times over the past two years.
Tottenham would certainly love to have a creative player of his calibre in their side and only make them stronger title contenders. With Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane, Pochettino would have one of the best attacking lineups on the planet.
While Manchester City and Chelsea would easily be able to afford the reported £88 million required, it may be difficult for Tottenham to come up with the same numbers. The Blues, however, are in danger of missing out on the Champions League and that will surely have a huge factor in deciding where he goes.
Manchester City, on the other hand, have David Silva, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in attacking positions so there will be a lot of competition at the club. It will be interesting to see whether some more clubs join the race for Isco’s signature, or if Chelsea, Tottenham or City go on to seal the deal for him.
