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Isco will leave Real Madrid when his contract expires this month to end a nine-year stay in the Spanish capital.
The playmaker, 30, joined Los Blancos from Malaga in 2013 and has found the net 53 times in 353 appearances.
But he is one of several stars leaving the Bernabeu in a squad overhaul, with Gareth Bale and Marcelo also heading for the exit.
We take a look at where the playmaker could be heading after he confirmed his departure, with Arsenal and Chelsea both in the mix alongside two LaLiga outfits.
Going in for the Kyl
Isco recently took to Instagram to post a farewell to Madrid fans and aim a cheeky swipe at Kylian Mbappe, who rejected a move to the Spanish and European champions.
He wrote: “I was in Malaga and I knew I had to go. I got engaged to another team. But Real Madrid knocked on my door and Real Madrid cannot and should not be told no, although there are always exceptions.
“Nine years later, my time at the club that has made it possible for me to fulfil all the dreams I had when I was little comes to an end.
“Apart from fulfilling dreams, winning more titles than I had imagined, playing with the greatest, meeting incredible people: I HAVE HAD A f***ing fun time and they can’t take my dancing out of me.”
After claiming that “there are always exceptions” to Madrid’s powerful call, he used a turtle emoji in reference to Mbappe and his decision to remain at PSG.
Sevilla
Isco has been linked with Sevilla, who finished fourth and secured Champions League football for the upcoming season.
The prospect of top-level continental football will likely play a big role in his decision and a move to a fellow LaLiga outfit would remove the prospect of adapting to a new league.
Sevilla currently lack attacking midfield options as 34-year-old duo Papu Gomez and Ivan Rakitic are nearing the end of their careers, while Erik Lamela and Suso have been plagued with injuries.
Isco could also provide competition for wingers Lucas Ocampos and Jesus Corona as he has occasionally been deployed on the right flank by Los Blancos.
Sevilla’s transfer budget cannot be compared to top English sides so a free transfer for a player of Isco’s profile makes sense for them, although they may not want to add the 30-year-old to an already ageing squad.
Real Betis
Real Betis are one of the frontrunners in the race to secure Isco’s services.
They finished fifth last season and will not be able to offer Champions League football like their LaLiga rivals but remain an attractive proposition.
Betis regularly deploy two defensively-minded players in a midfield five and Isco would provide competition for the likes of Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales and Juanmi, who all play in offensive roles behind the striker.
Betis have more strength in depth in attacking midfield than Sevilla but both clubs will certainly be attracted to a player of the 38-cap Spaniard’s quality.
Arsenal
A move to the Premier League may be on the cards for Isco with Arsenal understood to be monitoring his situation
The Gunners were beaten to a top-four finish by bitter rivals Tottenham, meaning they have also missed out on the extra lump of revenue received for participating in the Champions League.
Arsenal will need to make additions to their squad to keep up with their competition and a move for Isco would bring valuable experience to their young side.
Ex-Madrid man Martin Odegaard, 23, and academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe are their current options in the No10 role and Gunners chiefs could be looking to add some depth to the squad this summer.
Chelsea
Isco has also been linked with London rivals Chelsea, who are now able to sign players after their takeover was completed this week.
The Blues were linked with a £47million move for the Spain ace in 2020 and a free transfer would be an attractive proposition with funds needed elsewhere to strengthen a threadbare defence.
Needing to keep up with powerhouses Manchester City and Liverpool, Chelsea must make sensible additions to their squad as they aim for titles next season.
A move for Isco may seem a risk considering his lack of game time and injuries but if he is able to return to top form, it will be a risk worth taking.
