Transfer Talk: Arsenal ahead of United in race for Real star Asensio

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio in a cut-price deal.

Asensio, 26, will be allowed to leave the Spanish giants after entering the final year of his contract.

Carlo Ancelotti expects his future to be decided after tonight’s trip to Espanyol, and Real have slapped a £23million price-tag on him.

The Mirror say despite Manchester United’s interest, the Gunners are at the front of the queue.

They sent Nicolas Pepe on loan to Nice in the week and Mikel Arteta is keen to replace him in his squad.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the Gunners’ first choice wingers, but they lack strength in depth in that position.

And with Asensio desperate to play more ahead of November’s World Cup in Qatar, the Emirates is his preferred destination.

United would likely only move for the Spaniard if their long pursuit of Antony from Ajax fails in the final few days of the window.

In other news

Football Insider say Liverpool have a verbal agreement with Jude Bellingham — and he could move from Borussia Dortmund in January.

The Mail believe Manchester United will have to pay Ajax a whopping £84.8m if they are to land Antony. 

According to Sky Sports, Martin Dubravka has told Newcastle he wants to sign for Manchester United.