Arsenal are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Yannick Carrasco from the Chinese Super League.
The Belgium international shocked plenty of fans last year when, despite playing on a regular basis for Atletico Madrid, he moved to Dalian Yifang.
At just 25, the move came as a shock to many, and fans are even less surprised that the Belgian no longer wants to ply his trade in the Far East.
And according to Gazetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Shira, Arsenal could be on the verge of sealing a deal for the 25-year-old, who has also been monitored by Inter Milan.
The Gunners were linked with a move back in the January window, but Unai Emery was put off by the €30m asking price, instead making a move for Denis Suarez on a loan deal.
Carrasco previously said there was just one club interested in signing him in January but wouldn’t reveal which team exactly.
“I want to go back to Europe,” Carrasco told Sky Sports.
“One team is interested in me but I can’t say which one and in which league.
“But hopefully my team in China can help me come back to Europe.”
Despite being very close to making their first signing, Arsenal will still have the issue of having just £40m to spend in this summer window.
Failure to qualify for the Champions League has affected the London club, but Emery still feels as though the lure of playing for Arsenal is still strong.
He said: “Maybe. But we are a big team. I think Arsenal is a big name in the football world, and a lot of players want to play here.
“We are in one process and we need, in this process, to be strong. When we started this season, the idea was to get more competitive, like a team. To be closer to the other teams. And we did that.
“At the moment it’s not enough to reach our targets. But we’ll continue working in our minds.
“The transfers, I don’t know for next year. But the club is working to improve and to take all we need to go our way.”
