Arsenal are eyeing a move for Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco in the summer and consider the Belgian as a definitive attacking reinforcement.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are looking at reinvigorating their attacking options and consider a move for Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco in the summer transfer window. Arsenal like the Belgian and could line up a £50 million bid for him.
Arsenal have had a topsy-turvy January transfer window, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott departing the club. On the other hand, Jack Wilshere and creative force Mesut Ozil are yet to sign a new deal with the Gunners.
Despite the belief the two midfielders will sign a new deal, Arsene Wenger still wants to add to his attacking options and strengthen an area he believes to be depleted after recent departures. Carrasco, 24 is entering his prime and would represent a great signing for Arsenal.
Despite the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the potential arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund has not let speculation die regarding other potential deals for the Gunners. Carrasco is young, compared to other Arsenal stars in attack, and the move may be from a long-term perspective.
Carrasco has been a revelation in recent seasons for Atletico Madrid, regularly featuring under manager Diego Simeone even at a young age, and his performances have drawn the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
Arsenal were reportedly interested in the winger last summer, as they were looking for Alexis Sanchez’s replacement amid his transfer links with Manchester City. Chelsea were also reportedly weighing up a move for the Belgian international.
Despite starting this season brightly, Carrasco has endured a somewhat difficult period under Diego Simeone. Reports suggest he has fallen out of favour with the Argentine and could well be open to a new challenge. Atletico themselves are believed to be open to offers for Carrasco.
He has made a total of 26 appearances this season in all competitions including 16 in La Liga and five each in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. In all, he has scored four goals and provided three assists for his teammates this season.
The dip in form as well the arrivals of fresh signings at the Madrid club could be a signal for Carrasco wanting to leave the club. With no guarantees of a place in the front three for the winger, a new challenge could well be on the cards.
Arsenal are reported to be willing to pay up to £50 million for the Belgian who has a contract till 2020, which has a £88 million release clause in it. Arsenal, known for their stinginess in the market are not expected to pay the release clause and would negotiate with Atletico for a lower price on a player seemingly out of favour.
Irrespective of the player’s performances from now till the end of the season, Atletico are expected to demand a price more than £50 million in the summer. Arsenal would have a better hand in negotiations knowing that the player is unsettled and would have only two years left on his deal at Madrid.
Carrasco could be a great addition to the Gunners’ attack. Considering his age and attacking flair, something that Arsenal currently lack after the departure of Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.
