Arsenal suffer major blow in pursuit of Real playmaker Isco

James Holland
Isco Arsenal Juventus

Arsenal have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of Real Madrid playmaker Isco.

The Gunners have been tracking Isco for some time now to provide extra creativity in their squad.

He’s also been linked with fellow Premier League side Everton, although Carlo Ancelotti was quick to end those rumours.


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According to the Daily Star, Arsenal have ended their interest in Isco as the player looks set to join Juventus on loan.

The Spain international is expected to agree terms in the January transfer window ahead of a six month spell in Turin.

The move will see him link up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as Juve hunt for another Serie A title.

The decision means Arsenal will have to look at alternative attacking midfielders.

Houssem Aouar has been a priority transfer target for a while, and could be pursued once again next year.

He could cost the North London side around £70 million as Lyon don’t want to lose their star player.

Isco’s Real teammate Vinicius Junior is another option being considered. He tends to operate as a winger on either flank, which would give boss Mikel Arteta an extra player in those positions.

His current crop of wingers have been sub-par recently, with Nicolas Pepe and Willian failing to reach their high standards.

Arsenal apparently want to sign Vinicius on loan so they don’t have to commit with a substantial transfer fee.

Next month is shaping up to be a busy one for the club. Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi are being linked with moves away from the Emirates.

Mustafi was even linked with a surprise move to Spanish giants Barcelona, although they have now denied these claims.

On the pitch, Arteta must pick up some wins if he is to keep his job. Arsenal sit in 15th in the Premier League prior to their Boxing Day match against Chelsea.