Mbappe deal tipped to drive Real Madrid forward into Arsenal or Tottenham hands

Real Madrid could be the big winners this summer if signing Kylian Mbappe, though that deal could drive Marco Asensio to Arsenal or Tottenham, per a report.

Los Blancos are the current frontrunners to sign one of the most prized free agents in football history this summer. Mbappe’s contract at PSG expires at season’s end. Varying reports from across the European media have indicated Real Madrid are on pole position at present.

However, despite being a free agent, a deal of that magnitude won’t come cheap.

Factoring in agent’s fees, a huge sign-on fee and Mbappe’s colossal salary, Real will be making a huge financial commitment – even without paying a transfer fee.

As such, Spanish outlet El National report a necessary sacrifice will have to be made in the final third. The man deemed most likely to be axed is Marco Asensio.

The 26-year-old has been at the Bernabeu since arriving from Mallorca in 2014. Asensio has generally been a regular starter under varying managers, but under current boss Carlo Ancelotti, his minutes have been curtailed.

Asensio did start both legs of Real’s Champions League Round of 16 clash with PSG. However, despite Madrid advancing, Asensio was then overlooked for the El Clasico defeat to Barcelona in favour of Rodrygo.

Asensio did not start a single match in the Champions League group stage either. What’s more, his LaLiga starts this term total just 15 from 29 matches.

As such, the report concludes Asensio sees the writing on the wall regarding his future at Real. Mbappe’s arrival would lock up one flank, while Karim Benzema is unmoveable at centre-forward. Vinicius Jr. is expected to fill the final spot in the front three.

Asensio is deemed unwilling to accept a bench role and now wishes to seek