Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to make ‘immediate’ move for World Cup star wanted by AC Milan

Arsenal have been urged to make a move for Real Madrid star Marco Asensio - according to reports in Italy.

The 26-year-old is currently on World Cup duty with Spain and has helped La Roja progress into the knockout stages as he appeared in group stage games against Costa Rica, Japan and Germany. The versatile attacking midfielder will hope to continue his bid to help Luis Enrique’s side claim a second World Cup win when they they face Morocco in the round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon.

But once his tournament is over, whenever that may be, Asensio will turn his focus towards his future at club level as his current contract at Real Madrid approaches its final six months. At present, there is no suggestion he could extend his seven-year stay at the Bernabeu - but he has opened up about what could lie ahead recently.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup, he told Radio Marca: “Do I want to renew? Hopefully it can happen and I’ll be very happy at Real Madrid for many years, hopefully everything will work out so I can stay for 10 more years. There is talk that I am changing Real Madrid’s mind. But I have always tried to give the best that I have within me, and then later on people will know about it. The one who decides, too, is the club, it does not only depend on me. After the World Cup, we’ll both make a decision.”

Italian outlet CalcioMercato have suggested Juventus and AC Milan are ‘nearing a turning point’ in their bids to sign the Spain international and have stated a decision on his future is ‘now very close’. However, the report also goes on to reveal Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ‘will come forward’ with an offer in January and wants Asensio to join the Gunners ‘immediately’.