Chelsea keen on Atletico star Yannick Carrasco

Posted Saturday, October 22, 2016 by Footballfancast.com

Spanish publication Sport claim that Chelsea are interested in Atletico Madrid's Belgian attacking midfielder Yannick Carrasco.

What's the story?

Well, although not ‘breaking' the news of Chelsea being keen on Carrasco, Sport have stoked the fire in regards to the Londoners wanting the 23-year-old star. Indeed, the Mirror carried a piece not too long ago claiming that Antonio Conte's side are interested in Carrasco, so it seems that the latest nugget is merely treading old ground. However, there is some interesting information, with Sport speculating that Atleti may struggle to hold onto him should his form continue, with the winger impressing at both club and international level.

Will it happen?

With Atletico currently banned from registering new players until 2018, selling one of their most talented would be a mad decision. Indeed, the Rojiblancos, although they have a good squad, don't boast the same level of depth as many other Champions League level teams, so letting Carrasco go while being hamstrung by an inability to draft in a replacement would make little sense. However, a €40m (£35.8m) release clause in his current contract could take Atleti's situation out of the debate, but Carrasco himself has recently told Onda Cero he's eager to stay put.

Would he even fit in?

As a wide attacking player, Carrasco would be in direct competition with the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro, Willian and a host of other players for a role in Antonio Conte's XI, and with the Italian's ultimate plan appearing to be a 3-4-3 set-up with the width coming from wing-backs, it's hard to see a long-term need for the player.