According to Jason Burt of The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Atletico Madrid for Yannick Carrasco. Manchester United reportedly had the 29-year-old Belgian wide-man on their shortlist as part of their rebuild. However, it seems their efforts and funds have been concentrated on the signing of Antony from Ajax.
Tottenham Open Talks for Yannick Carrasco
Spurs Head Coach is a Long Term Admirer
Antonio Conte is said to be a fan of Carrasco, having admired him for a long time. Spurs made an attempt to sign the “brilliant” Belgian international in January of this year, however, the La Liga giants turned down all advances. Following his return to Atletico from Dalian Professional in 2020, his contract reportedly contained a £51.2m release clause. In January, they refused to sell and Spurs did not offer high enough to activate the release clause.
Understand Tottenham Hotspur have failed in an attempt to sign Yannick Carrasco. Atletico Madrid insist the Belgium international is not for sale today @TeleFootball
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) January 31, 2022
However, it is thought that they are now under pressure to sell players to meet the La Liga salary cap. As a result, a deal could be struck for significantly less than his release clause. A fee of £25 million could be enough to complete a deal for Carrasco, who has two years left on his contract.
Versatility Provides Competition for Places
Carrasco brings with him a wealth of experience at continental and international level. He is capable of operating as a wing-back or a winger on either side. For Atletico, he mostly operates as either a left winger or a right wing-back. Spurs have been looking to bring in more attacking reinforcements to provide quality in depth. Across the last two seasons, Carrasco has contributed 16 goals and 12 assists in the league, which demonstrates that his quality can underpin that of Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.
Tottenham are in talks to sign Yannick Carrasco and are keen to complete a deal before the summer deadline
Conte has been a long time admirer of the player
– @JBurtTelegraph pic.twitter.com/qOuHB66nFG
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) August 29, 2022
However, it is thought the primary reason for Conte’s interest is to provide competition for Emerson Royal at right wing-back. He is the current first choice in this position ahead of Matt Doherty and Djed Spence. However, the Brazilian has put in some mixed performances since arriving from Barcelona and fans remain unconvinced of his ability to hold down the position in a side capable of finishing in the top 4.
Other Potential Destinations
As previously stated, Manchester United had Carrasco on their shortlist for this summer.
The other English team credited with an interest is Chelsea, according to Spanish outlet AS. Following the completed transfer of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, and the rumours surrounding Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, attacking reinforcements are needed. They have been linked with moves for players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Wilfred Zaha as well as Carrasco.
With multiple clubs interested, Tottenham opening talks first puts them in pole position at the present time. However, with the transfer window shutting on Thursday, it could trigger other clubs to enter negotiations as well. The last few days of the window are often chaotic, and Carrasco’s situation is one which could trigger a scramble for his signature in the coming days.
