Arsenal signing Manchester United target Marco Asensio would be a disaster for four Gunners players
Arsenal are said to be ‘in the box seat’ to sign Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio before the summer transfer deadline on Thursday.
Mikel Arteta has overseen another busy transfer window at the Emirates Stadium, but he is looking for late reinforcements to help Arsenal’s top-four push.
Asensio’s representatives are said to be waiting in London for talks about a move to the Premier League.
While his arrival at Arsenal would increase Arteta’s options, it may not be good news for everyone.
We have identified four players for whom Asensio’s potential move to Arsenal would be disastrous…
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko was undoubtedly recruited by Arteta to be his starting left-back, but the Ukrainian’s pedigree in midfield is well known.
Zinchenko plays in midfield and attacking midfield for his country and will hope to shine in that position at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Asensio has more experience in the 10 position and would be a more natural fit than the former Manchester City player.
That being said, if he maintains his current form on Arteta’s left side, he should be there for the foreseeable future.
Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe had his best individual season of his career in 2022/23, but he also saw time as an impact player.
He has taken up that role again at the start of the new season, coming off the bench twice in the Gunners’ first four games.
Smith Rowe will be itching for regular minutes in a World Cup year to give himself the best chance of travelling to Qatar with Gareth Southgate’s squad. However, Asensio would simply be another forward to contend with.
Reiss Nelson
After underwhelming loan spells at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, Reiss Nelson has a big season ahead of him to prove his worth.
He’ll be 23 this year, and Arteta’s starting wingers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, are both younger and more experienced.
Smith Rowe has already surpassed Nelson in the pecking order, and Asensio would undoubtedly surpass him as well. Being a fifth-choice option for two positions is something no player wants to be in, but the Real star’s arrival would force him to do so.
Fabio Viera
Fabio Viera’s early Arsenal career was marred by injuries. He missed the first two Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Leicester City before coming off the bench against AFC Bournemouth and Fulham.
Given captain Martin Odegaard’s form at the heart of Arsenal’s scintillating attack, it’s difficult to predict where Viera’s game time will come.
Adding Asensio to the mix would only increase the competition for the Portuguese playmaker, who will already require time to adjust to English football.
Arsenal signing Manchester United target Marco Asensio would be a disaster for four Gunners players
