Arsenal told to finalise ‘perfect’ Marco Asensio deal as new contact made – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio would be “perfect” for Arsenal as they look to improve their squad depth this summer.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Mikel Arteta needs at least three “top-quality” signings in order to battle for the Premier League title season-on-season.
Sources told this site on Thursday (23 February) that Arsenal, Man United and Tottenham are all battling for Asensio’s signature in the summer.
The 35-cap Spain international is set to walk away from the Bernabeu for free when his contract expires at the end of the season.
It is believed that all three clubs have made contact with intermediaries ahead of a summer swoop.
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s first-choice right-wing option, but Emile Smith Rowe has struggled with injury and Marquinhos is out on loan at Norwich.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s exactly the sort of signing they need.
“Asensio isn’t playing as much as he’d like right now.
“But he’s done so many good things for a long time at Real Madrid. He gets into tight spaces, he’s a flair player.
“They are the characteristics that Arsenal will be searching for this summer.
“And you look at their bench sometimes and just feel like they could do with a few extra top-quality signings.
“For me, he’s perfect. If Arsenal want to stay in that title fight every year, they’ve got to add to this squad.”
Asensio has won three Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles since signing for the club in 2015.
He has notched six goals and five assists in 30 appearances as a squad option this season.
In other news, Football Insider updates as superstar signs five-and-a-half year Arsenal contract.