Arsenal: Isco rare few to buck sensibility for

Isco is reportedly unsettled at Real Madrid after falling out with Sergio Ramos and causing other arguments. He is one of a rare few for which Arsenal should buck sensibility to sign.

It’s fairly easy to see where Arsenal’s shortcomings are. They have scored more goals than Chelsea, three fewer than Manchester United and only four fewer than fourth-placed Spurs. Contrast that to their defensive record: 41 goals conceded, which is more than Brighton and Newcastle and is only eight better than bottom-of-the-table West Brom. It doesn’t really need spelling out.

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Consequently, as the season begins to wind down — there is only one competition that the Gunners need worry about, in reality, between — focus starts to turn towards the offseason, the summer transfer window, and the business that needs to be done to right the wrongs of an undoubtedly disappointing season.

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Clearly, given the numbers, many of the holes that Arsenal need to fill are defensive ones. Centre-half, full back, goalkeeper, defensive midfielder. These might well be most people’s top four priorities entering the summer, all of which are defensive positions. And they are mine also. If I was being sensible, these are the areas of the team that I would address first. But sometimes, bucking sensibility is worth it.

Isco is one of the rare players that makes abandoning logic and discernment worth it. The Real Madrid midfielder, who has been linked with a move to North London in the past, though the reports were never more than unfounded, speculative rumours that never made any genuine headway, is reportedly unsettled at the club after struggling for large sections of the season, being dropped for periods of the year and getting into arguments with his teammates, including club captain Sergio Ramos.

If there was a chance that he could be prized away from the Bernabeu, Arsenal would be wise to jump at the opportunity. He is an exceptionally gifted attacker, with a lovely, soft, caressing touch of the ball, a sharp, creative mind, and a sound and consistent striking of the ball. But he is not a defender.

And so the tension begins. The chance to sign a truly world class player. The lack of a genuine need, or at least the distraction of more pressing needs at other positions. The sensible of you will be saying that not only is Isco an unrealistic target, but he is also a player who does not fill a need.

I would agree with half of that. The chances of Arsenal actually signing Isco are extremely slim. He is a player who will attract interest from far more attractive destinations than a team who is desperately hanging on to slide in the back door of the Champions League. But in this case, I would drop rationale and logic to sign a player of such rare and precious quality.

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It may not be sensible. It may not be the right thing to do. But it would secure a player of genuine world-class ability to join an attack of truly blistering proportions. Oh, and he’s only 25.