Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic has reportedly told Real Madrid that he wants to leave.

• Kovacic is very much a backup player at Madrid
• Kroos and Modric have proven to be stiff competition
• Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have been linked

The central midfielder has been a backup player for Madrid since arriving from Inter Milan in 2015. The likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have proven to be very stiff competition.

Now 23, he could be on the lookout for a guaranteed starting spot else where. According to reports, he has told Real Madrid that he wants to leave the club.

There are several clubs reportedly interested, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Roma. Kovacic’s excellent ball control and ability to drive past midfielders would be a very welcome addition to the Arsenal midfield.

However, reports say that Zidane wants to keep hold of Kovacic and Madrid are hardly going to sell a promising player for cheap. Kovacic has made 73 appearances for Madrid, with the majority of them being made off the bench.