Marco Asensio responds to rumours of Barcelona interest

Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio has refused to rule out a switch to Barcelona, with the Catalan giants said to be considering moving for the attacker next year.

The 26-year-old's contract at Bernabeu is due to expire at the end of June, and there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future in the Spanish capital.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and AC Milan are all believed to be interested in the attacker, while it has been claimed that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on his situation with Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Asensio refused to rule out a move to Camp Nou when asked about a switch, while he suggested that a Real Madrid exit near year is highly likely.

"I haven't thought about it. I can't give you an answer right now. Many friends have told me about the news that Barca want to sign me," Asensio told COPE.

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"I've received about 200 messages. There are a lot of rumours and a lot of things we don't know. In 2023 I will be able to sign with any club because my contract ends."

Asensio has scored once in four appearances for Real Madrid this season, but he has only played 11 minutes of football in Spain's top flight during the 2022-23 campaign.

Federico Valverde and Rodrygo are both ahead of the Spain international for the starting role on the right of the front three, and he is unlikely to earn a regular spot in Ancelotti's first XI unless the team pick up a number of injuries in the final third of the field.

Asensio would be free to discuss a possible pre-contract with foreign clubs at the start of 2023, but he would not be able to talk to Barcelona until next summer, unless the Catalan outfit agree a transfer fee with Los Blancos.

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Real Madrid boss 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."

Asensio has scored 50 goals and registered 24 assists in 239 appearances for Real Madrid since arriving from Mallorca in 2014, winning three La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns in the process.

The Spaniard was an important player for Real Madrid during the 2021-22 campaign, making 42 appearances in all competitions, contributing 12 goals and two assists.

Asensio has been named in the La Roja squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Switzerland and Portugal despite his lack of action this term.

Barcelona are believed to have been in the running to sign the forward from Mallorca in 2014 but were not prepared to pay the asking price at the time.