Arsenal keen on signing Real Madrid forward Endrick with swap deal a possible option

Real Madrid are on an eight-match winning streak in all competitions, and Jose Mourinho seems to have found a victorious formula at the Bernabeu with the likes of Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe an integral part of his plans.

One of the players whose game time has taken a hit is Endrick, with the Brazilian international showing a lot of quality and potential in the limited minutes he gets. However, Madrid’s sheer quality means he has largely remained on the periphery.

Graeme Bailey has reported that Endrick is open to departing Real Madrid permanently in January to regain his feet and Arsenal are keen on signing him as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his offence, which has struck only 15 goals in 10 Premier League matches.

Madrid won’t stand in Endrick’s way if he puts in a transfer request, The Athletic has reported, though they will seek at least £50 million for the 20-year-old’s services considering his massive potential and impact in a very limited timespan.

Having said that, Bailey has added in his report on TEAMtalk that Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi also opens the door to a swap deal including Endrick, with the Spanish midfielder also open to departing the Gunners to play regular minutes.

Endrick a terrific signing for Arsenal but swap deal not likely

Endrick would be an excellent signing for Arsenal. He is able to play as a right winger and centre forward, with his dribbling, physicality, tenacity on the ball and powerful shots likely to make him a key fixture in Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Arsenal would also value his strong defensive work-rate. The former Olympique Lyon loanee tracks back to help the full back out, presses relentlessly higher up the pitch and throws himself into physical duels fearlessly.

While he promises to be successful at the Emirates Stadium, a swap deal with Martin Zubimendi going the other way to Real Madrid seems unlikely as Jose Mourinho is likely to want a creative midfielder rather than a defensive option.

In Aurelien Tchouameni, Madrid already have a solid defensive midfielder and while Bernardo Silva has played next to him, they will be open to signing a long-term option to help dictate tempo, drive the ball forward effectively and create chances.

Despite a swap deal being a tall order, Arsenal have enough funds to afford Endrick and it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to meet Real Madrid’s asking price for the forward in the January transfer window.