Arsenal have expressed interest in Belgian midfielder Yannick Carrasco who is currently plying his trade in China. However, just 12 months after moving to Dalian Yifang he is plotting a route back to European football. With many clubs interested, Arsenal seem the most keen but is Carrasco the right man for Unai Emery at the moment?
His finishing needs improvement
For an attacking left winger his finishing is poor. Although he has found the net seven times this season his shot to goal ratio needs to be improved. On average he takes three shots per game but only averages a goal every 3.5 goals. With the expansive style that Emery plays he needs an attacking player who will finish more chances.
Defensive attributes
Arsenal have conceded in their previous five games. They need more solidity in midfield defensively rather than fully attacking because they have scored the third highest goals in the league just behind Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal simply cannot afford him
There is no disguising the fact that Arsenal are short of a few quid with players such as Mesut Ozil sat on £350,000 week, Alexandre Lacazette on £200,000 a week and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on £140,000 a week. They are strapped for cash and are having to move players off the book to make money for new signings; hence why Aaron Ramsey could be moving to Juventus. Unless they can move specifically Ozil off the books then a move for a new player might happen.
Also with Carrasco’s huge wages in China there is no way Arsenal can match them.
Better options for cheaper
As stated Arsenal need a cheaper option and there are many more out there. With the likes of James Rodriquez and Denis Suarez reportedly available for loans, they seem like more reasonable options for Arsenal at the moment. Both would be a creative option in the midfield that could create the opportunities for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette.
Not match sharp
Even if he was to make a move this January, if Arsenal can get the money, then there is the question mark of if he is match fit. The last time Carrasco played a competitive game of football was in the middle of November which could mean he would have little impact on an Arsenal side pushing for fourth place. Even though he has been playing every game this season some may argue that the Chinese league’s standard is significantly lower than that of the Premier League.
