Man Utd reportedly want to test Real Madrid’s resolve by placing a bid for Marco Asensio, and why the ‘difficult’ move could actually happen has been revealed.
The Red Devils are chasing Ajax winger Antony as their primary target for the flanks. United’s pursuit has spanned much of the summer, though finally appears to be coming to a head.
Indeed, Antony has handed in a formal transfer request and his agents are currently in England awaiting instruction.
What’s more, a highly anticipated second Manchester United bid is expected any time now. Ajax don’t want to sell, but money can and often does talk in the end.
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is also on their radar, though whether United will sign both or just one isn’t yet certain.
Today’s Transfer Gossip detailed United’s ‘cooling’ interest in Gakpo as they ramp up their Antony pursuit. That would suggest it’s one or the other, unless they fail to land a striker, of course.
Regardless, it now comes as something of a surprise to see reports from the Spanish media put Marco Asensio in Man Utd’s sights.
Via the Express, it’s revealed United are apparently ‘determined’ to make a formal offer for the 26-year-old Spaniard.
Competition for his signature if Real give the greenlight to an exit will reportedly come from other English sides, as well as clubs from Serie A.
£25m bid coming?
It’s claimed United will lodge a €30m (£25m) bid, though Real boss Carlo Ancelotti won’t make it easy.
Indeed, Ancelotti is reportedly ‘counting on’ Asensio for the current campaign. That’s despite the 26-year-old attacker now being in the final year of his contract.
Asensio has repeatedly drawn links with English clubs in the past six months. Liverpool and Newcastle were the latest in the conversation, though moves obviously did not materialise.
However, reports in July claimed Asensio is thus far refusing to pen fresh terms at the Bernabeu. A contract offer was tabled earlier in 2022, though it’s not been signed.
Club president, Florentino Perez, reportedly does not wish to lose such a saleable asset for nothing. That puts him at odds with Ancelotti who wants what’s best for his squad, but the finances could dictate Real’s decision.
A move for Asensio is still termed ‘difficult’ in the Express’ report. However, if Perez gets his way, a Man Utd offer – if indeed one is lodged – could succeed. The question then would be what happens with Antony and Gakpo.
Will Man Utd actually sign Asensio?
If United were only targeting forwards, the prospect of adding both Antony and Asensio to the mix would make sense.
Asensio can operate on either flank and is extremely technically gifted. At 26, he’s now in his prime and enjoyed his best goalscoring season to date last term with 12 goals in all competitions.
However, United have irons in the fire in other departments of their squad, making an Asensio deal unlikely.
Indeed, they’re targeting a goalkeeper, right-back, another central midfielder besides Casemiro and a striker too.
A back-up to David de Gea isn’t likely to break the bank. However, additions at right-back, midfield and up front especially won’t come cheap.
As such, the likeliest scenario is it’s one of three from Antony, Gakpo and Asensio. At present, all the signs point to Antony.