Belgium International Yannick Carrasco has been on Arsenal’s radar since January and the Gunners seem to have finally made progress in his pursuit.
Arsenal might be on the verge of making a breakthrough with their transfer plans. The Mirror are suggesting personal terms have been agreed with longtime target Yanick Carrasco and believe a deal is closer than ever to bring the Belgian International to the Emirates. However, there are still obstacles when it comes to the transfer fee, which is yet to be agreed with the Belgian’s Chinese club.
Carrasco remains one of Sven Mislintat’s remaining targets the club are still behind. The German, a former head of player recruitment at the North London club had stressed on bringing Carrasco in January. But financial restrictions and even Emery’s preference of Denis Suarez led to a breakdown in any possible deal for Carrasco.
The Gunners fans have already forgotten Suarez, who has gone back to Barcelona after Arsenal refused to make his transfer permanent. The Gunners are instead back in the hunt for Carrasco and are believed to be closer than ever to completing a deal. The report suggests Arsenal have agreed on personal terms with the Belgian, although a transfer fee is no closer to an agreement with his Dalian Yifang.
The transfer fee, as it turns out, is the most prominent hurdle Arsenal face. Their depleted budget, a result of not qualifying for the Champions League may hinder any possible deal. Back in March, an £18 million fee was mooted, but his club Dalian Yifang are not ready to let him go on the cheap. Now, a price around £30 million has been suggested, and it could put Arsenal off the Carrasco chase.
Arsenal have other targets, such as Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser in mind. Fraser has only a year left on his Cherries deal and could come in for a much cheaper fee. But overall, the Gunners’ hierarchy are keen to do a deal with Carrasco and could table a substantial offer.
Carrasco has been performing well in China since joining the club in February 2018. In his 36 appearances so far, he has contributed with 14 goals and 11 assists, making him a prized asset for the far east side. The Belgian has conceded that a return to Europe could be on the cards and in a recent interview suggested he is closer to making a return to these shores. The club in question is believed to be Arsenal.
Arsenal are in the market for a winger and Carrasco has been a consistent performer in that area. Apart from being a good performer at club level, he has been a regular presence in the National team as well. With 29 caps to his name, he played a vital role as Belgium made it to the semifinals of last summer’s World Cup in Russia.
With reports of personal terms being agreed doing the rounds, Arsenal need to find a solution with the transfer fee conundrum. The Chinese club have no need to sell for funds, and a high asking price could certainly price Arsenal out of the race. However, if they do end up signing Carrasco, he could very well be a good signing for the club.
