Barcelona handed boost as 29-year-old winger expresses desire to complete Camp Nou switch - Reports
Barcelona have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco. The Belgian is a target for the Blaugrana, who are looking to bolster their options in attack.
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Carrasco, 29, would like to leave Atleti and join Barca. He has made 23 appearances across competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Reports claim that Barcelona offered Memphis Depay to Diego Simeone's side in exchange for Carrasco. However, Atletico rejected the proposal, but the Belgian winger seems to be eager to head to the Camp Nou.
A lack of form has plagued Raphinha's debut campaign with Barca after arriving last summer from Leeds United for €58 million. He ideally wants to play on the right flank, but Ousmane Dembele plays there.
Hence, the Blaugrana have set their sights on Carrasco, a left-footed winger who can also play as a left-back. The Belgian has two years left in his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
He joined Atletico from AS Monaco in 2015 for €15 million and spent three seasons with Simeone's side before heading to the Chinese Super League and joining DL Yifang for €30 million. However, his stay in Chinese football didn't last long as Atleti re-signed him on loan in January 2020 before permanently luring him back to La Liga for €27 million later that summer.
Carrasco is an established Belgian international, earning 62 caps, scoring eight goals and providing 14 assists. He was part of the Red Devils side that finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Raphinha wants to remain at Barcelona despite Arsenal interest
Barcelona beat Arsenal to the signing of Raphina from Leeds last summer, but he has endured a difficult spell at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian winger has featured in 23 games across competitions, scoring three goals and contributing five assists.
It has been a lackluster campaign for the Barca attacker, whose arrival was heralded by fans following an impressive time in the English top tier with the Peacocks. Arsenal seem to be considering a move for their former transfer target. However, reports claim that the Blaugrana are demanding an astounding €100 million for the player.
Raphinha also seems to have hinted that he wants to stay at the Camp Nou. He spoke after lifting the Supercopa de Espana with Barca after a 3-1 win over Real Madrid on Sunday (January 15). He said (via the Evening Standard):
"This is my first trophy with this giant club, this enormous shirt of FC Barcelona - it’s incredible. And so now we go for more trophies.”
The Brazilian signed a five-year deal with the Blaugrana when he joined the club last summer and looks set to stay there for a while. So the Gunners may need to look elsewhere.