The transfer rumour generator is back in full swing, and two names to drop out today are Arsenal and Isco of Real Madrid. The Spanish playmaker is believed to be available for £32.9m, with Los Blancos thought to be willing to sell, amid rumoured interest in Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

In truth, although some transfer gossip can be dismissed, this one could have legs. The player and the club seem suited, Isco has struggled for game time in his (almost) two years at the Bernabeu and Arsene Wenger loves a talented playmaker. At FFC Towers, we think this deal could be the difference between Arsenal competing for next season’s Premier League title and being involved in another top four scramble… and here are FIVE reasons why

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Genuine top class talent

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When top class players become available, the biggest teams cannot simply pass on the opportunity. Did Arsenal need Mesut Ozil or Alexis Sanchez? Perhaps not, with a defensive midfielder of a centre-back potentially more sensible ways to spend over £70m… Have they improved the Gunners’ first-team? Certainly! Isco would firmly fall into that category, with the Spaniard the sort of player who can change games and provide moments of magic. Imagine a three of Isco, Sanchez and Ozil behind Olivier Giroud… WOW!

Plenty of scope to improve

Having just turned 23, Isco is still very much on an upward trajectory. The playmaker already has plenty of experience, and his development over the course of the past few seasons, despite limited game time, shows that he’s improving with every passing game. In terms of boosting the Gunners’ chances of success and improving to the point he could be sold on for a massive profit, Isco is a no-brainer.

Well suited to Arsenal’s style of football

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Neat and tidy on the ball, able to play a slick, fast-paced passing style and competent at drifting to different positions during a game, Isco looks to be ideal for an Arsene Wenger team. At Malaga he was the main man during his breakthrough, but he has shown an ability to make an impact when called on at Real, despite his status as a first-team back-up player, behind the likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Can operate from a deep role

Isco positions

Despite being most comfortable as a ‘No. 10’, Isco can operate well from a central midfield position. In fact, the bulk of his game time has been from a deeper role for Real this season, with covering for Modric during his injury lay-off having been his major source of game time. With Mikel Arteta set to leave when his contract expires in a few months’ time, this versatility could be useful for Wenger.

Isco can also operate on the left or right flank, and has been used a ‘false nine’ in the past.

Keep him away from a rival

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If Arsenal don’t get him, a rival may well get to reap the rewards. Liverpool are known to be interested as they look to replace exiting captain Steven Gerrard, while Manchester City have been linked with him for some time. If either side nabs Isco, they could edge ahead of Arsenal in the race for the top four or the Premier League title.