Arsenal are clearly still in the running for Marco Asensio and would have no problem paying his wage demands, according to a report.

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Club Deportivo Leganes SAD against Real Madrid CF at the Estadio Municipal Butarque in Leganes on July 19, 2020. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP)
Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Club Deportivo Leganes SAD against Real Madrid CF at the Estadio Municipal Butarque in Leganes on July 19, 2020. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP)

Calciomercato.it report that along with interest from AC Milan, Arsenal “especially” are still “clearly” in the running for Marco Asensio. The Gunners would reportedly have no problem meeting the player’s wage demands.

With his deal expiring in 2023 and no agreement over an extension, Asensio is seemingly starting to review his options for a summer departure.

Italian outlet Sport Mediaset previously reported that AC Milan are serious about signing Asensio and starting to make concrete moves for the player, along with a couple of English clubs, including Arsenal.

Asensio hasn’t made a decision at this stage, and he’ll only do so towards the end of the season.

Real Madrid want an answer on his potential contract extension to stay with them by the end of the campaign.

If Asensio does leave, Real are looking for €25-30m for his sale. Arsenal were also linked with him last summer.

210731 -- MIYAGI, July 31, 2021 -- Marco Asensio L and Dani Olmo of Spain react prior to the quarterfinal match of men s football between Spain and Cote d Ivoire at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS in Miyagi, Japan, July 31, 2021.
Marco Asensio (L) and Dani Olmo of Spain react prior to the quarterfinal match of men’s football between Spain and Cote d Ivoire at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS in Miyagi, Japan, July 31, 2021.

The 26-year-old Spaniard is yet another left-footed right-sided forward, which may add further fuel to the suggestions Nicolas Pepe’s long-term future may not be at Arsenal.

Asensio has eleven goals in 37 games for Real Madrid this season.