Why this Belgian ace may be Arsenal’s first January signing

With Aaron Ramsey certain to depart this summer, Arsenal has intensified their efforts to sign an attacking midfielder. The Welshman has reportedly agreed on a switch to Juventus when his contract expires. 

His potential exit will leave a huge vacuum in the centre, especially with Mesut Ozil out of favour. Ramsey would leave with a legacy of energy, flair, grit and loads of goals during his decade in North London. 

With  Henrikh Mkhitaryan still injured, Unai Emery has reportedly targeted two midfielders. Barcelona’s Denis Suarez is one, the other is Yannick Carrasco, currently in China with Dalian Yifang.

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Due to the former’s huge asking price, Carrasco is looking like the more realistic target for the Gunners. The ex-Atletico Madrid man’s wife may have made things easier for the Gunners with her latest remarks.

According to this report, Carrasco is aiming to return to Europe in the current transfer window, just a year after leaving Atletico Madrid for China. 

The Premier League is his preferred destination, with Arsenal and Manchester United linked.

His wife Noemie Happert says there are a number of clubs involved in the race for his signature, one of which is Arsenal.

“There are lots of clubs looking at him,” as quoted by Belgian outlet rtbf.be. “Lots of clubs have been in touch with him. Lots of clubs are interested. Yannick has received offers from Germany, Spain, England and Italy but nothing has been truly concrete up to now, nothing has been signed.”

When pressed about United: “Yes, they’re very interested. I won’t hide it from you but nothing has been signed.”

Reports earlier this week suggested Arsenal had held a meeting with Yannick Carrasco’s agent. According to French outlet Foot Mercato (via GFFN ), Arsenal met with Carrasco’s representatives on Tuesday, and talks apparently went very well. It appears the Gunners have made an offer for Carrasco. 

Following Emery’s comments regarding a lack of transfer funds for this window, a loan move appears to be the likely route.