Real Madrid star rejects new contract as he demands more money - Reports
Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio has reportedly rejected a new contract offer as he demands more money.
According to El Nacional, the main reason Asensio, 27, is yet to agree terms on a new deal are down to the financial aspect. The Spanish attacker is demanding a net salary of €6 million per year. He currently earns €4.5 million a year, while Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has offered him €4.8 million.
Asensio has impressed when called upon this season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in 48 games across competitions. His superb performances have led to Real Madrid looking to negotiate a new deal for the Spaniard. His current contract expires at the end of the season.
The versatile attacker desires to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu and has told his agent Jorge Mendes to stop negotiations with other clubs. Those clubs include Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan.
However, Real Madrid have another priority - Vinicius Junior - whose contract expires in 2024. The Brazilian attacker has been Los Merengues' protagonist this season with 23 goals and 21 assists in 53 games across competitions.
Asensio will bide his time for now as he waits for more improved terms on Madrid's contract proposal. He has won three Champions League and three La Liga titles during his time at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti interested in Tottenham's Richarlison
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly urged the club to sign Tottenham's versatile forward Richarlison. According to Defensa Central, the Los Blancos boss is driving the La Liga giants' pursuit of the Brazilian.
Richarlison, 26, has struggled during his debut season at Spurs, scoring three goals in 33 games across competitions. However, he was impressive at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring three goals in four games.
Ancelotti knows Richarlison well from his time managing the player at Everton from 2019 to 2021. The forward bagged 20 goals in 59 games across competitions under the Italian coach.
Richarlison only arrived at Tottenham last summer from the Toffees for €58 million. He has four years left on his contract with the north London club. The striker is valued by Transfermarkt at €55 million.
However, Real Madrid have intentions on signing either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland rather than heeding Ancelotti's advice. The pair have been in prolific form and are regarded as Europe's best strikers.