Aston Villa will reportedly rival Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Yannick Carrasco from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Yannick Carrasco is the subject of interest from Aston Villa over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Atletico Madrid winger is also a target for Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Among the suitors, Newcastle United have already enquired about his availability and being urged by Atletico Madrid to pay €50 million for wantaway winger.
Carrasco is currently in his second spell at Atletico Madrid, having rejoined the Spanish giants in 2020 from Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang, now renamed Dalian Professional. He has been a pivotal part of Diego Simeone’s squad in recent seasons and was instrumental in the Rojiblancos’ La Liga title success in the 2020/21 season.
This season, the 28-year-old has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 43 games across all competitions. That is a respectable return considering how Atletico failed to sustain their title-winning form from last season and had an underperforming campaign in all respects.
The Belgian international is currently contracted at Wanda Metropolitano until 2024 and has been fundamental in their attack this term. While Diego Simeone’s side is not willing to part ways with the 28-year-old Belgian international, they would entertain a sale if a good offer arrives as they look for further reinforcements to boost the squad after an underwhelming domestic season.
There have also been reports from the player’s camp that he is seeking a new adventure this summer and would prefer a move to the Premier League, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur mentioned as possible destinations in recent weeks. Aston Villa, another ambitious English club, has now entered the competition for the versatile winger.
Aston Villa have got their summer transfer window off to a flying start by already announcing the signings of French midfielder Boubacar Kamara and Brazilian international defender Diego Carlos. They have also tied Philippe Coutinho to a permanent long-term contract after his loan spell from Barcelona, with Robin Olsen joining permanently.
However, Steven Gerrard is further looking to bolster his attack by adding experience to his roster. Carrasco has played at the highest level and brings a wealth of experience to the table. Not to mention, managing to sing someone of his ilk would be deemed as a big coup and statement of intent from Aston Villa.
Newcastle, meanwhile, were prepared to spend big to sign Carrasco from Atletico Madrid in January but failed in their pursuit due to their relegation predicament at the time. The club is now in a far better place, and recent reports suggest Newcastle are plotting a double raid on Atletico Madrid for Renan Lodi and Yannick Carrasco.
Tottenham have already signed one new player in Ivan Perisic who will undoubtedly fill the left wing-back position, perhaps ruling out the signing of another left-sided player in Carrasco. And while there is uncertainty surrounding Steven Bergwijn’s future at the club which could open up a spot for Carrasco down the flanks, the cost involved to get the Belgian international would be too much for someone who would only play as the backup with Son Heung-min.
