Arsenal are reportedly lining up a mega-bid for Real Madrid’s playmaker.

In standard transfer window fashion, it hasn’t taken long for the outlandish claims to begin and today The Telegraph are running a particularly strange one, which The Express vaguely reported on yesterday.

Apparently Arsenal are “preparing a £64m bid” for Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

The 22 year old, who Real Madrid only signed a year and a half ago from Malaga for a reported £23m, has been finding it difficult to cement himself in the Champion’s League winning side over Gareth Bale. It’s presumed that this means he’s looking for a move away from the La Liga side, who are currently sitting top of the table by a point with a game in hand.

As ever with stories of this nature, there are no direct quotes at all. Not even from an infamous ‘Source’ – who is often so busy at this time of year – and the likelihood of Arsenal breaking their transfer record, as we’re predicted to do every other day, on another midfielder is low. At best. Especially with playmaker Mesut Ozil predicted to return to the side against Stoke this weekend and the reluctance of Arsene Wenger to bring back Cesc Fabregas because of the German.

Isco
How far can Isco? (Photo: KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images)

In addition to the fact that this story seems to have been plucked from thin air, another reason it lacks potency is that Isco still remains an integral part to the Real Madrid team.

Scoring four times and assisting seven in all competitions so far with 15 starts this season and playing as back-up to Bale, who was temporarily side-lined after picking up a Glute injury in October, it’s doubtful that Carlo Ancelotti would let him go.

Speaking after Madrid’s 4-0 win over Eibar in November, the Real coach spoke about his versatility and ability to be “just as good” defensively, as well as offensively. With Bale not exactly the sturdiest of players when it comes to injuries, it’s understandable that Madrid would want to keep Isco around as insurance.

Looking at this somewhat flimsy speculation objectively, it brings up the age-old Arsenal predicament: how many midfielders is too many midfielders?

While adding more world-class talent to our side can surely only be positive thing, it doesn’t take a genius to see our problems run a lot deeper than our midfield creativity.

If we were to spend £64m on a player Real Madrid only signed for £23m, you would expect him to walk straight into our starting line-up, but would he?

Is he better than what we already have?

Although gambles sometimes do pay off (remember when we thought we didn’t need Mesut?), at this point, the fans do need something tangible in order to see a relatively positive outcome for this season.

Fortunately, I see the likelihood of us strengthening in these key areas far more likely to happen than us buying Isco from Real Madrid for £64m.