Real Madrid Transfer News: Isco Exit Denied, Liverpool's Pedro Chirivella Eyed

Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to keep Isco at Real Madrid and insists the creative Spaniard is key to the club's future.

Ancelotti spoke ahead of Los Blancos' La Liga tie with Elche on Tuesday, as reported by the club's official English Twitter account:

The Italian coach suggested both Isco and Asier Illarramendi—who also continues to struggle for playing time—are happy to wait for their chance to shine:

Isco's future is the subject of fierce attention. The Express' Anthony Chapman reports Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in taking the 22-year-old to England after switching their attention from Barcelona winger Pedro, who is set to secure a January move to Juventus.

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Prior to Isco's wonderful showing in Saturday's 8-2 victory against Deportivo—which saw him grab two assists in 19 minutes from the bench, per WhoScored.com—Hugo Cerezo of Marca indicated the player is "lagging behind with regards to last season, even without rivalry from an injured Jese [Rodriguez], who will increase competition for attacking places once he returns from injury."

J. L. Calderon of the same publication outlined a performance of "pure precision" from Isco at the Riazor, indicating he could be brought into the starting line-up against Fran Escriba's side. Even so, this is a player whose longevity in the first team isn't guaranteed even when he performs excellently.

Isco has contributed three assists in a single start and two substitute appearances this season, noted by WhoScored.com. His usefulness is largely overlooked due to the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and new signing James Rodriguez, whose arrival has certainly dampened Isco's chances of remaining in the Spanish capital.

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Xabi Alonso's exit has given Ancelotti the difficult task of ensuring his midfield trio are well-balanced, particularly against the elite sides. Toni Kroos is playing in a deeper role while Sami Khedira recovers from injury, allowing Luka Modric to move forward. Isco's natural instincts remain in the attacking half, ensuring he isn't always up to the task of operating alongside two central midfielders in marquee matches.

Ancelotti also confirmed Modric's importance to the side, per Madrid's Twitter feed:

Real Madrid are said to be eyeing Liverpool youngster Pedro Chirivella, reported by Calderon. The 17-year-old can be considered an Alonso-styled player—calm in possession, positionally aware and selfless—as Ancelotti weighs up potential long-term replacements for a major loss to the squad.

Although Chirivella wouldn't challenge for a spot in the team immediately, his acquisition could further underline how Isco will never completely fit into Ancelotti's plans.

The former Malaga star would be an excellent signing for any side and works hard enough to become a key player away from the Bernabeu. He is proven in the Champions League and for the Spanish under-21s, where his qualities as a leader have often shone through.

Real Madrid's policy of purchasing big-name players has created a winning atmosphere over the past season, a feeling that will continue to see world-class stars overlooked. Isco is certainly one of the unfortunate pack, as even if he performs admirably against Elche, Ancelotti isn't destined to keep him in the team.