Why Arsenal must beat Manchester City to sign Isco

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t The Sun), Real Madrid playmaker Isco is being tracked by Arsenal and Manchester City.

Isco, 27, has established himself as one of the bigger names at Real Madrid since his move from Malaga in 2013. He has netted 48 times in 282 games in all competitions over the past seven seasons in the Spanish capital.

However, the Spanish international could leave Real Madrid due to a lack of first-team action under Zinedine Zidane. The report adds that Real Madrid would be open to selling Isco if one of the Premier League clubs make an offer in the region of £60m.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has identified Isco as a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil (h/t The Sun), who has been frozen out of the first-team picture at the Emirates stadium. Ozil has made only four appearances so far this season.

Meanwhile, Guardiola is considering his own attempt to lure the Spaniard away from the Bernabeu to replace the ageing David Silva, adds the report. But Emery must do everything possible to beat City to sign Isco in the January transfer window.

Arsenal already have Dani Ceballos, who joined on a season-long loan from Real Madrid in the summer. Whether or not they sign the midfielder permanently remains to be seen but even with Ceballos, the Gunners have struggled for creativity. Thus, signing Isco would certainly make sense.

Isco desperately needs a move away from Real Madrid. He has been struggling to work wonders ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club. Nevertheless, the Spaniard could solve Arsenal’s creativity problems by replacing Ozil.

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Isco is undoubtedly one of the best creative midfielders in Europe and the twinkle-toed star is a truly elite performer. He possesses exceptional technique and is arguably better than Ozil right now, with great vision and a keen eye for a killer pass.

The Spaniard can play on the wings, as a No. 10 and in a three-man midfield. That kind of versatility should certainly appeal to Emery.

Verdict

The former Malaga man possesses all the attributes needed to succeed at the Emirates Stadium. At 27, Isco is still at a good age for Arsenal and the North London giants should sign him.