Arsenal and Liverpool are both reportedly keeping a close eye on Marco Asensio's situation at Real Madrid.
The Spain international was strongly linked with a move away from Bernabeu over the summer, but the transfer window closed with the attacker remaining with Los Blancos.
Asensio has only played 17 minutes of football across two matches this season, and he showed his frustration when he was not used against Mallorca in La Liga at the weekend.
The 26-year-old is currently down the pecking order for the spots in the final third of the field, with Rodrygo and Federico Valverde both ahead of him on the right.
However, speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted that the attacker is still "training well" and could be involved in the European affair.
© Reuters
"Asensio has to put up with this situation right now. After getting frustrated, there are two responses, as you can either train better or you can give up. But, he has kept training well. He could play in tomorrow's game," Ancelotti told reporters.
Barcelona and Manchester United are currently being linked with the attacker, but according to Calciomercato, Arsenal and Liverpool could make bids during the January transfer window.
The Premier League duo, alongside AC Milan, are said to be keen to move for Asensio at the start of 2023, with the attacker likely to struggle for minutes at Real Madrid throughout the season.
Asensio's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire next June, meaning that he would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs at the start of 2023.
Ancelotti told Relevo late in the transfer window: "Marco is looking at things to see if he can leave. If he doesn't leave, he will 100% be a Madrid player. I don't know anything new about Asensio, he is evaluating his situation."
© Reuters
Asensio has scored 49 goals and registered 24 assists in 237 appearances for Real Madrid since arriving from Mallorca in 2014, winning three La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.
The Spaniard has struggled for consistency since suffering a serious knee injury in a pre-season clash with Arsenal in July 2019, though, and he seemingly does not have a long-term future in Madrid.
"Renew or leave Real Madrid? I think there are three possibilities, there is also the option to stay and fulfil my contract year," Asensio told Marca earlier this summer.
"My future does not have to depend on whether or not I will have a place in the next World Cup. Rumours are part of football, and more so at Real Madrid. High-level players are always associated with it. Many players come out every summer and it's something we have to live with."
Asensio was an important player for Real Madrid during the 2021-22 campaign, making 42 appearances in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and two assists in the process.
