Arsenal willing to pay Real Madrid star Marco Asensio's £72m release clause - report

ARSENAL are willing to pay Real Madrid star Marco Asensio’s £72million release clause, reports in Spain say.

Asensio starred for Real Madrid last night, scoring a stunner from 30 yards as Los Blancos beat fierce rivals Barcelona 2-0 to win the Spanish Super Cup.

And it appears his stock rising is prompting interest from the European elite.

Spanish outlet Don Balon claim Arsenal are hellbent on signing him despite his obvious importance to Zinedine Zidane’s side.

The Gunners are said to be preparing to lose Alexis Sanchez, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain keen to lure him away from the Emirates before the end of the month. 

Arsenal are willing to pay Real Madrid star Marco Asensio's £72m release clause

Manager Arsene Wenger has spent much of the summer chasing Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, but the Frenchman is now considering signing Asensio’s release clause instead.

The Gunners are willing to break the club-record fee of £52million they paid Lyon for Alexandre Lacazette this summer.

Asensio has a release clause in his contract of £72m but Wenger is ready to meet it in a bid to prise the youngster away from the La Liga and Champions League holders.

But Don Balon add that Asensio is not interested in leaving his current club.

Arsenal Transfer News Marco Asensio Real MadridGETTY

Arsenal are determined to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio

Arsenal Transfer News Marco Asensio Real MadridGETTY

Arsenal want Real Madrid star Marco Asensio as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez

Though Real are reportedly concerned by Arsenal’s determination to sign him, the player himself would rather stay with Zidane’s men.

He feels that, despite Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo being ahead of him in the pecking order, he will play an important role for Madrid this season.

Real have already won two pieces of silverware and are aiming to win La Liga, the Champions League and Copa del Rey this season.

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