Arsenal transfer news: Yannick Carrasco on Unai Emery’s radar, but Gunners must sell Mesut Ozil in order to fund move
The Belgian winger, 25, is currently on the books of Chinese club Dalian Yifang
Arsenal want to sign Yannick Carrasco but can only afford the pacy winger if they manage to offload Mesut Ozil, according to reports.
The German playmaker, who pockets £350,000-a-week, has been in and out of Unai Emery’s side this season.
Emery recently revealed he could only make loan signings in this window as things stand, so selling Ozil would free up funds to strengthen the squad.
claim the former Paris Saint-Germain boss has run out of patience with the 30-year-old, and is thus prepared to let him leave the club on a permanent basis this month.
Belgian winger Carrasco, currently on the books of Chinese club Dalian Yifang, will not come on the cheap either though.
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The former Atletico Madrid ace also commands a hefty wage bill, believed to be in the region of £9.7million a year.
Thus, Ozil would need to be sold in order for the move to even become a distinct possibility.
However, Ozil’s huge wage package could prove to be a stumbling block in his potential exit, with Serie A giants Juventus and Milan reportedly not prepared to match the former Real Madrid man’s demands.
Carrasco, 25, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United, was part of Belgium squad that finished third in last summer's World Cup.
It's understood Carrasco is eyeing a move back to Europe after less than a year in China.
The Gunners entertain London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, before they take on a rejuvenated Manchester United on January 25 in the FA Cup fourth round.