ARSENAL could be in with a chance of signing long-term target Yannick Carrasco with reports suggesting his club Dalian Yifang are lining up a replacement.
The Gunners missed out on the Belgium international when he left Atletico Madrid back in 2018.
The 26-year-old instead opted to join Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang where he now plays under former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez.
Carrasco reportedly earns close to £175,000 a week in China and may have to take a wage cut if he returns to Europe.
But it appears increasingly likely that he will do so because Italian outlet Calciomercato reckons his employers have already identified his replacement.
The Chinese club are reportedly set to make a move for Napoli's Dries Mertens in January.
The 32-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season and if he is not offered a new one he will be able to start talks with other clubs after Christmas.
If he were to sign for Benitez's side, it could clear the way for his Belgium team-mate to swap places with him and complete his return to top-level football.
Back in March, Carrasco said: “I would love to return to Europe. A lot of clubs were interested in me.
“We tried to find a solution in January that would enable me to leave Dalian Yifang. But I can understand the club’s thinking. They wanted me to stay.
“I still feel OK in China. But I have lost my starting place in the Belgian national side. This can happen with a team of their quality.
“With the level of competition there will always be times when you don’t get to play a lot.”
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