Arsenal and Manchester City to Fight for Wantaway Real Madrid Star - Report

Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly ready to battle for Real Madrid playmaker Isco, as the Spanish star is unhappy about his lack of opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu and is considering a move away at the end of the season.

Isco was already close to joining City from Malaga last summer together with his former manager Manuel Pellegrini. However, a call from Real Madrid's officials when he was set to move to the Etihad Stadium scuppered the deal and he instead decided to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants paid £25m to secure his services but he has struggled to secure regular place at Los Blancos, and according to Marca Manchester City are ready to take advantage of his unhappiness to make a new summer bid for his services.

Meanwhile, Metro reports that Arsenal are also in the race for the talented Spanish midfielder, as Arsene Wenger is looking for a similar player, having targeted Schalke star Julian Draxler as his main summer acquisition.

Isco is considered to be one of the most prolific Spanish players, especially since last summer when he led his national team, alongside Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara, to the Under-21 European Championship victory.

He excelled at Malaga, scoring nine la Liga goals and helping his team to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in his debut in the competition. Although he started in impressive fashion at Real Madrid and quickly a fan favourite, he has since lost Carlo Ancelotti's confidence and has not featured at all as a regular in La Liga since last November.

Isco scored four goals in the first five La Liga games but then Ancelotti changed his team formation to find a place for Gareth Bale in his line-up and Isco was relegated to the bench.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are the immovable attacking trio at Real Madrid and with Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso established in midfield, Isco's fortunes is unlikely to change.