Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio has been on Arsenal’s radar for a number of months and the Gunners are now reportedly set to make an official approach for his signature.

But now, Spanish news outlet Don Balon have reported that Arsenal are preparing a formal bid to try and persuade him to join them in the Premier League this summer.

The talented 21-year-old midfielder netted ten goals and created four assists across all competitions under Zinedine Zidane’s management last season. However, he hasn’t been playing regularly, and as a highly-rated youngster it’s imperative he features more to continue his development.

As we reported last month, Liverpool apparently tabled a whopping £42m offer for the Spaniard, who made his international debut twelve months ago.

Club president Florentino Perez doesn’t want to let him go and understandably so, as he’s one of the world’s best in his age-group. He wants first-team assurances though and that’s something that Real cannot offer him given the level of depth and quality within their side.

Arsene Wenger is prepared to make him an important first-team player and one that he’ll build his side around in future, especially with the futures of both Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez still uncertain.

If this is true, Wenger will know that he has a possible tug-of-war on his hands with both Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in Asensio. Both teams can also offer UEFA Champions League football ahead of the new campaign, meaning they’d have the upper hand in negotiations.