Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want Real Madrid to include Marco Asensio in their player plus cash deal to sign Christian Eriksen this summer.
According to The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur will urge Real Madrid to include Marco Asensio as part of their player plus cash offer to sign Christian Eriksen. The former European champions reportedly tabled a £45 million plus Dani Ceballos offer to sign the wantaway Danish international earlier this week.
But, it is believed that Spurs are not keen on the services of Ceballos and instead, are hoping to rope in a more experienced Asensio. They are even willing to sign the Spanish international on a loan deal, although Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is not willing to let go of the prized asset, having rejected offers from Juventus earlier this summer.
A product of the Mallorca youth academy, Asensio became a household name in European football following his sensational breakthrough campaign in the 2016/17 season. He then enjoyed a productive campaign the following season, having been involved in 11 league goals and starring in the UEFA Champions League as Real Madrid secured the coveted trophy for the third consecutive time.
However, Asensio’s importance at Real took a massive dip following the departure of Zidane. The 23-year-old made only 19 starts in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign and was often overlooked due to the growing competition in the Real Madrid attack.
And with Los Blancos further strengthening their attack with the addition of Eden Hazard, Rodrygo and Luka Jovic, the Spaniard could find it difficult to make himself a regular first-team player for the record European champions.
Hence, a move to Tottenham could make a world of sense for Asensio this summer. The Lilywhites have enjoyed an excellent campaign, where they finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the final of the Champions League. With Eriksen most likely to leave and the club lacking depth in the wide attacking positions, he would be a guaranteed starter for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Asensio’s technical prowess will make Tottenham much more efficient in the creative department, and the fact that he can operate in multiple positions would make it easier for Pochettino to accommodate him in his offensive setup.
But, at the same time, the Spanish international could find a lease of life following the return of Zidane, who played a crucial role in his rise to prominence. And given how the Frenchman has remained adamant on keeping hold of the player this summer, which is coupled with the steady deterioration of Luka Modric, Asensio certainly has a chance of becoming a first-team regular at Real Madrid in the upcoming season.
For Tottenham, however, it’s unlikely they will be getting their hands on Asensio this summer. And that means they need to sort out Eriksen’s future sooner rather than later with his contract expiring at the end of next season. The Lilywhites have been linked with a move for Lorenzo Pellegrini this summer, and the Italian international could be an exciting option for Pochettino as he prepares for life without Eriksen next season.
