Arsenal are ready to make Real Madrid playmaker Isco their second major signing of the summer, according to reports in Star Sport.
The Gunners have already strengthened their squad with the arrival of Petr Cech from London rivals Chelsea last month, and are now set to launch a bid for Isco, who is also attracting interest from the Blues as well as Manchester City.
Arsene Wenger has been an admirer of the Spanish international for some time after he tried to lure him to the Emirates Stadium whilst he was playing for La Liga outfit Malaga [via Star Sport].
Isco joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2013 and after initially struggling to command a place in the starting XI, he benefited from Luka Modric’s injury problems last season to make 26 starts in the league, scoring four goals and registering nine assists.
His good form over the campaign was not enough to prevent Madrid from finishing the season without a trophy, but he was still able to show why he is considered one of the brightest prospects in European football with a number of impressive performances.
Should the Gunners launch a bid for the 23-year-old then it’s likely to trigger a four-way battle between their two Premier League rivals as well as Serie A champions Juventus, who are in the transfer market to replace the out-going Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal [via Guardian Sport].
City could hold the advantage over all three teams given that Isco has already worked under Manuel Pellegrini, although he would appear to be the club’s back-up option in case they fail to sign Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg [via Mail Sport].
A move to Stamford Bridge could interest Isco as he would be able to link-up with fellow Spaniards Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta at the club, however, he could potentially remain at the Santiago Bernabeu should new manager Rafael Benitez decide to keep hold of the playmaker.
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