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MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Francisco Roman Alarcon alias Isco of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Malaga CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 18, 2015 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Francisco Roman Alarcon alias Isco of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Malaga CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 18, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Arsenal Transfer News: Isco Bid Readied, Latest on Norberto Neto Rumours

Nick AkermanMay 14, 2015

Arsenal "are preparing a £45 million offer" for Real Madrid's creative midfielder Isco, according to Izzy Horsefield of the Express, who cites unspecified reports in Spain.

Alternatively, Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Charles Perrin of the Express) claims Arsene Wenger has set aside £32 million for the former Malaga man's services. 

Horsefield's article indicates the player is unhappy with a rotational role at the Bernabeu, despite him becoming a key man under Carlo Ancelotti this campaign.

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MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 13:  Isco of Real Madrid is pursued by Paul Pogba of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final, second leg match between Real Madrid and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 13, 2015 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Alex

Isco himself has admitted being rotated is part of football, per Horsefield: "Changing me is just like changing another," he said. "Those that do not play are happy and it's normal. When I am happy when I don't play I will retire from football. I am happy with my role in the team and I have played more than I thought, I insist."

All things considered, Isco has played a fairly major role in Madrid's season. He's made 25 starts and eight substitute appearances in La Liga, per WhoScored.com. Alongside this, he started 10 matches in the side's Champions League run, which was ended by Juventus on Wednesday night.

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri targeted Isco during Juve's triumph, tweeted by B/R UK's Matteo Bonetti:

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 05: Claudio Marchisio of Juventus in action with Isco of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League semi final match between Juventus and Real Madrid at Juventus Arena on May 5, 2015 in Turin, Italy.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Ima

Although a smart choice for Arsenal's midfield—Isco is technically gifted and has become a more well-rounded player this campaign—the Spaniard is just hitting momentum in the Spanish capital. Ancelotti's midfield three certainly needs greater balance, and if anyone is to be sacrificed, it is likely to be him (over James Rodriguez or Toni Kroos).

It's possible Madrid's direction will change after being knocked out of the aforementioned European tournament, perhaps affecting Isco's role in the side. His progression is certainly worth monitoring, but it's optimistic to suggest Madrid would cash in.

Arsenal Scouting Neto Ahead of Free Transfer?

TURIN, ITALY - APRIL 29:  Norberto Murara Neto of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Juventus Arena on April 29, 2015 in Turin, Italy.  (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

On a less expensive note, Arsenal have scouted Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto ahead of a potential free transfer, according to George Bellshaw of Metro. Bellshaw suggests Wenger "will offer him a contract" in a bid to provide current Gunners No.1 David Ospina with some competition.

Liverpool and Juventus are also reportedly interested in Neto, according to Paul Joyce of the Express. B/R UK's James McNicholas recently suggested that, if Arsenal can make the right signings, they will challenge Premier League champions Chelsea next season:

Wenger has proven himself willing to spend big in previous summers, luring Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to the club. Isco would fit in with this quality, but it seems premature to suggest his Madrid career is heading to an end.

Neto's transfer should be welcomed on a free. His arrival would most likely spell the end for Polish stopper Wojciech Szczesny, who lost his place to Ospina earlier this season. Wenger must be ruthless with players who aren't needed in order to improve, something he hasn't managed in previous years.

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