Arsenal have a real interest in signing an Isco pariah loan from Real Madrid, although they will have to release salaries first.
Isco has played a partial role for Los Blancos this season, starting just three La Liga games and registering an assist in all competitions.
He has been closely linked with leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in January, with recent reports suggesting Sevilla are his most likely destination, although that doesn’t happen until the summer. The move would see him reunite with former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui, under whom he enjoyed a good period of form several years ago.
However, according to reporter PA Sport Mark Mann-Bryans, Arsenal are ready to attempt to move for the Spaniard in January. The club have been loosely linked to Isco in the past, but now it seems the Gunners’ interest is real – although the half-season loan depends on several factors.
Not only would Arsenal require Real to subsidize part of their income, but they would also have to free up space in the salary budget themselves. The Gunners have had a horrible start to the season and are currently 15th in the Premier League table, just six points out of the relegation zone.
Despite their dismal form, Arsenal are not expected to fire Mikel Arteta and instead should support him in the January transfer market. Having missed prodigy Dominik Szoboszlai, who sealed a move to RB Leipzig, Isco could be the creative midfielder Arsenal need to inject some life back into their season.
He is also not the only Spanish player they have been linked with. Riqui Puig of Barcelona and Joan Jordan of Sevilla are both followed by the club’s scouts. Christopher Nkunku and Julian Brandt have also been mentioned as possible targets, but the two seem unlikely to favor a move away from the Bundesliga mid-season.
