Yannick Carrasco is currently trying to make his way back to Europe after signing for Chinese side Dalian Yifang in February 2018 but why did he really go there in the first place? Was it all about the money, money?

When a talented, well-known player in his mid-20s heads to China most assume it must be to chase the cash but it seems that might not have been the deciding factor in Yannick Carrasco’s move to the country.

Freddie Paxton took the time to research the issue and his conclusions tell a quote different story.

“When Carrasco joined Atletico in 2015, Atleti had taken numerous bank loans for transfers,” he wrote on Twitter.

“The understanding w/Monaco when they bought him was that they would sell him again within 2yrs and Monaco would receive a cut of the fee (25%), and his agent would receive 5%, which is how it transpired.

“Of the loans they took out to get him in the first place, Atleti contracted loans from companies involved with the Canadian Pensions Service, using him as a guarantee, which technically constitutes as 3rd party ownership, which is where Football Leaks come into it and what sparked their investigation.

“Fast forward to when Carrasco joined Dalian Yifang. The Chinese club is owned by Wanda group, who at the time had a 17% stake in Atletico Madrid (and remain a key sponsor with naming rights to the stadium). Two weeks before buying Carrasco, they sold this share.

“After selling it, they took full control at Dalian Yifang and essentially took Carrasco & Nico Gaitan with them. From all of that, it’s assumed that the two players, both of which were also out of favour with Simeone, were transferred to balance accounts & meet loan terms.”

Credit for all of that info goes to Football Leaks – I have just tried to condense what is a long and quite wordy description of events.

Personally think Carrasco has a lot still to give & want to see him back in Europe. Hopefully Arsenal can get it over the line.

— Freddie Paxton (@SportFreddie) June 10, 2019

Carrasco himself even explained why he had joined the Chinese side, saying, “I decided to leave Atletico and start a new adventure with Dalian Yifang, to join the Wanda group project.

“The Chinese championship is booming, the working conditions are excellent, the new infrastructures are modern and they are available for both players and fans.

“The level of play improves every season.

“I am very happy and eager to join my new teammates at Dalian Yifang in the coming days.

“The project and offer of the club are a great sign of confidence and respect, and represent an opportunity to develop my qualities and my future.”

Now, however, he just wants to return to Europe and it seems like he could well be about to do that with Arsenal.