Arsenal 'handed boost in Isco pursuit'

Sevilla sporting director Monchi has revealed that Spanish attacker Isco is keen to leave Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old was linked with a move away from the Bernabeu during the January transfer window, with Arsenal and Sevilla two clubs credited with an interest in the playmaker.

According to Monchi, the Europa League winners are not currently interested in the Spain international, but the sporting director's comments on Isco's future could hand Arsenal a boost, with the Gunners allegedly weighing up a summer move.

"The conversation lasted approximately 15 or 20 seconds. It is news that has come out, he asked me and I said no, that was all the interest in Isco," Monchi told Estadio Deportivo.

"We do not live in a basement and read things, but I talk to the president or vice-president on a day-to-day basis, and there are things that jump out and the president asks me if that is true and I say 'Yes, yes, I have not told you', but it is not the case with Isco.

"It is a rumour, a logical rumour, because he wants to leave and here is a coach [Julen Lopetegui] with who he played at a high level, but there is absolutely nothing, not a movement."

Isco has only contributed one assist in 15 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2020-21 campaign, while he has started just three times in La Liga this term.