Arsenal may keep Alexis Sánchez after all as rumoured frontrunners Bayern Munich are eyeing up a possible move for Atléico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco.
The Gunners are keen to keep hold of their talisman, 28, who only has twelve months remaining on his existing deal in north London. He has left contract negotiations on hold for now with the Confederations Cup a more pressing priority with Chile, but Bayern’s pursuit has cooled off nonetheless.
This is according to French newspaper L’Equipe, who have said that the Bundesliga champions have focused their attentions on the Belgium international instead as they look to offload Douglas Costa and prepare for life after Arjen Robben (33) and Franck Ribery (34) at the Allianz Arena.
Carrasco scored 14 goals and created five assists across all competitions under Diego Simeone last term, but questions over his long-term suitability to the Argentine’s tactical style with regards to defensive workrate have sparked speculation that he’s prepared to sanction a move.
However, Simeone himself said in April that he’s pleased with Carrasco’s efforts in the final third and he’ll be eager to keep hold of the 23-year-old.
As a result, Bayern will have to spend a significant chunk of change to sign Carrasco and €50m is the sum that has been mentioned.
If you remember, the Bavarians were reportedly in “advanced talks” with Alexis in their ongoing attempts to try and persuade him to move to Germany this summer.
Perhaps, they are still hoping to attract him with a pre-contract agreement next January should he not extend terms at Arsenal.