Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Isco Exit Rumours

Premier League trio Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City want to prise Spain international Isco away from Real Madrid. Exactly when they want to temp the 23-year-old out of the Santiago Bernabeu is unclear, though.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport (h/t James Orr of the Independent), City and the Gunners will do "battle" for the attacking midfielder next summer.

Orr said the player, whom he values at £22 million, is unhappy about his lack of playing time in the Spanish capital: "It has been claimed that Isco has grown frustrated at his position in the Real team, with the 23-year-old no longer a guaranteed starter in the side."

It makes sense for Isco to be frustrated. He has naturally fallen down the pecking order due to Los Blancos' ample attacking options, both on the flanks and in the advanced central position behind the main striker.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale both play wide for Madrid. Ronaldo's position on the left flank is a favourite berth of Isco's, but he's never likely to unseat the Portuguese powerhouse.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Nor is he likely to garner much playing time as a No. 10 in place of Colombian star James Rodriguez. However, the one-time Porto sensation has returned from the latest international break with a torn thigh muscle, according to Madrid's medical team (h/t ESPN FC).

Spanish newspaper Marca claims Rodriguez will now be out for two weeks, but even a lengthy absence for Rodriguez doesn't guarantee an opportunity for extending playing time for Isco.

After all, new Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez did sign Croatian playmaker Mateo Kovacic this summer. The creative 21-year-old can operate behind a striker or further back.

Kovacic recently expressed his confidence he will start in Madrid to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Goal's Harry Sherlock): "I know it will be tough to earn a starting place, but I'm sure I'll do it."

If Isco is pushed further back, he'll find the deeper roles occupied by German pass-master Toni Kroos and experienced schemer Luka Modric. There doesn't seem to be much room in the Madrid midfield ranks even for a player as gifted as Isco.

But City, Arsenal and Liverpool may feel like they are willing to make space for him. Isco rose to prominence under the guidance of current City manager Manuel Pellegrini when the pair worked together at Malaga.

As a technically gifted player with an eye for goal who can work both out wide and centrally, Isco fits the expansive brand of football Pellegrini loves to play. Gunners chief Arsene Wenger preaches a similarly adventurous style. The Frenchman has also rarely seen an attacking midfielder he didn't like.

Daniel Tejedor/Associated Press

It's also true that Arsenal's midfield will need refreshing sooner rather than later. Injuries are always an issue.

Wenger recently confirmed both Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky are currently sidelined, per the club's official site. Speaking of Rosicky, he's now 34, while Santi Cazorla is 30 and Mikel Arteta is 33. The time is fast approaching for the Gunners to recruit a younger playmaker.

As for Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers is another manager who values versatile attacking midfielders. He could turn Isco loose in an advanced trio also featuring Brazilians Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.

The only question is: When will the Premier League's interested parties make their respective moves? While Orr leads with rumours of a summer switch to either Manchester or London, WhoScored.com's Josh Wright takes a different angle.

Despite also referencing the Sport article, Wright leads with the suggestion Arsenal and Liverpool will lodge bids this January.

Like Orr, Wright references Isco's growing discontent at being left out in the wilderness with Madrid: "The former Malaga midfielder’s current deal still has three years to run but it has been reported that he is growing frustrated by limited chances."

Wright also offers a pair of telling statistics that reveal what a talent the young Spaniard really is. He observes that "no Madrid player has won possession in the attacking third more than Isco (33)" since the player's move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013, and he provides a table that credits Isco with the most successful through passes of any Los Blancos player during the last two seasons.

Those numbers remind Madrid what they are leaving rotting on the bench. They also act as the perfect inducement for prospective buyers.

None of City, Arsenal nor Liverpool need another attacking midfielder, but players as good as Isco don't become available often.

If Madrid really don't want him, these Premier League clubs would be wise to make their moves for Isco sooner rather than later.