English sides Manchester City and Arsenal are set to battle it out for out of favor Real Madrid midfielder, Isco according to reports in Spain.
The Spanish international has fallen down the pecking down Santiago Bernabéu and coach Zinedine Zidane is said to be open to the departure of the former Malaga man who is now one of the fringe players for the record European champions.
Arsenal coach Unai Emery has reportedly identified the midfielder as a replacement for German Mesut Ozil. Ozil is no longer a regular for the Gunners and has not featured in the league for a couple of weeks. He was recalled on Wednesday for League Cup action against Liverpool but was still taken off at the half-hour mark despite impressing.
Any bid for Isco will, however, depend on Arsenal getting rid of Ozil who is the top earner at the club. The former Madrid man earns an excess of £350,000 a week at the Emirates and Emery is keen on freeing his high salary to allow the club to bring in Real Madrid number 22.
Also interested in the midfielder is Manchester City. Coach Pep Guardiola is keen on replacing Spanish midfielder David Silva who will exit the club at the end of the season and has earmarked Isco as a perfect replacement for the 33-year old Silva.
Real Madrid reportedly values Isco at £60million and with Arsenal working on a tight budget, City may pip them to acquire the player’s services. There’s however a problem as his arrival may also hinder the progress of highly rated, Phil Foden.