Isco no-go long term for Ancelotti’s Real Madrid amid new Bale-out?

Following unlikely reports in the British tabloids that Manchester United could make a world record £90m bid for Gareth Bale, Coral writers have analysed the situation from every possible angle and decided to flip it on its head.

The context behind such stories is that Bale is being left out of the squad, and Isco is flourishing in his absence. However, Real Madrid’s Welshman is actually injured and, despite his replacement impressing, it is likely that Bale will come back into the fold when he is fit again as Los Blancos, odds-on 5/6 favourites, ramp up their efforts to win La Liga.

That would mean that Isco would again be on the periphery, and the question is, would the 22-year-old playmaker be content with a place on the bench? Bale has netted four times in seven La Liga appearances this term setting up three goals, while Isco has contributed just one strike in nine, plus four assists.

Furthermore, in his first season, Bale hit the back of the net 22 times in 44 appearances across all competitions, including an extraordinary effort against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final which won them the match, and another goal in the Champions League final.

Simply put, he is a match winner, and Real do not let match-winners go at the peak of their powers. Not if president Florentino Perez has anything to do with it. Although reports suggest Ancelotti is ready to let Bale go, at the minute they remain just that. Unsubstantiated rumours.

With superstar Cristiano Ronaldo approaching the wrong side of 30, Bale at the age of 25 could in time gradually replace the Portuguese maestro. It is unlikely the former will stop playing anytime soon, and has at least another four years left in him at the highest level, though letting Bale go now would be a disaster, and the club high-ups will know this.

However, Isco would be the player more likely to move. With Santi Cazorla at Arsenal approaching 30, Arsene Wenger may see the former Malaga man, who ironically stepped up to replace the 29-year-old at the Costa del Sol based outfit, as an ideal replacement.

Real could still demand a fee in the region of £30m for the Spaniard, and at that price he could even appeal to former manager Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, if he sees an opportunity to dovetail him with Cesc Fabregas. A potentially mouthwatering combination.