Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are exploring the prospect of signing Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco this summer after his release clause emerged, according to reports in Spain.
The Belgium wide-man, 28, has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past and English clubs are considering making a move once more.
Whilst it is understood that Carrasco is comfortable at the Wanda Metropolitano under the tutelage of Diego Simeone, various aspects of his contract make an exit possible. It is suggested that he is keen to pen a new deal that would put him closer to the club’s top earners, including Jan Oblak, Antoine Greizmann and Koke.
Carrasco has two years remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital and AS claims his release clause is set at €60million (£51.5m). The report adds that Atletico are keen to open talks with Carrasco regarding a new contract as Simeone is believed to want to keep him.
The winger, 28, has been at the club for five-and-a-half years in all, with a brief spell in China in-between the two stints with the Spanish giants. He initially arrived from Monaco in 2015, leaving in 2018, only to return two years later.
In that time, he has racked up 219 appearances for Los Rojiblancos and scored 37 goals. He won the league during the 2020/21 campaign, whilst he also contributed six goals and seven assists last term.
Would Yannick Carrasco be a good signing for Premier League clubs this summer? Have your say in the comments!
Whilst it remains to be seen how realistic a transfer would be for any of United, Chelsea or Spurs, Carrasco would certainly be an excellent wide option for the trio. The Red Devils reportedly already have their eyes on Ajax star Antony but are struggling to agree a fee with the Dutch giants.
Meanwhile, it is clear that the Blues want a fresh wide option this summer, with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and outgoing Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele among their targets. London rivals Spurs have already signed Ivan Perisic this summer but could be on the hunt for a replacement for Steven Bergwijn, as the Dutchman is in talks with Ajax.
Intriguingly, Carrasco has previously admitted that he would be suited to the Premier League. Speaking in 2019, he said: “All the people know England is one of the best championships in the world - it’s a big competition.
“The players who play in the Premier League tell me it is a physical league - strong, but you also have a lot of space. Sometimes when you play in other countries you do not have a lot of space but in England it is open, the play is up and down the pitch.
“That would suit me. I think I can play in a lot of competitions in the world - I can attack and also I can defend.
“With the national team I play as a winger, but also I can play in behind. England would be a good competition for me. I think I would be okay. If I have the opportunity to go to England, why not?”
