In a recent interview with HLN, Dalian Yifang winger Yannick Carrasco revealed that he is open to leaving the Chinese Super League club and seal a return back to European football. The Belgian talent was linked with a move to Arsenal back in January, but a deal failed to materialise back then (via the Sun). However, he recently told HLN (translated by the Sun), “I would love to return to Europe. A lot of clubs were interested in me.
“We tried to find a solution in January that would enable me to leave Dalian Yifang.
“But I can understand the club’s thinking. They wanted me to stay.”
The Belgian’s recent words will be encouraging for Unai Emery and his chances of landing the player next summer. The Gunners can benefit from adding a player of Carrasco’s talents as he will add some natural width to the Arsenal squad.
The North London outfit have only Alex Iwobi as an out-in-out wide man in their team, so there is a real lack of depth in that department. Recruiting the Chinese Super League sensation could go a long way in resolving that issue.
Carrasco has scored three goals in two league matches for Dalian Yifang this term. He is also vastly experienced at the international level having represented his nation in 35 games and scoring five goals for them across multiple competitions.
When the ex Atletico Madrid winger is firing on all cylinders on the pitch, he can be a difficult man to stop. Carrasco boasts blistering pace which helps him dribble with the ball and beat his marker. The Ixelles born goalscorer is also quite versatile as he can assume multiple roles across the frontline, although, he primarily operates as a left winger.
There is no doubt that the addition of a player like Carrasco will bolster Unai Emery’s attacking options at the Emirates Stadium. With Mesut Ozil being used sporadically this season, the Gunners need another creative force in the attacking third of the pitch. Furthermore, he will also free up space for the striking duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to wreak havoc inside the opposition penalty area.
Hence, Emery should do everything in his power to lure him to the North London club ahead of the new campaign.
