Atletico forward Yannick Carrasco could be set to move to Barcelona in a deal that would see Memphis Depay head the other way during the January transfer window.
Carrasco’s agent, Pini Zahavi, has confirmed that the two clubs are in talks over a possible transfer and that the Belgium international is very much interested in joining Xavi’s side, as reported by Diario Sport.
“Yannick likes the idea,” he told DH les Sports+.”The idea is to exchange Carrasco for Memphis. It hasn’t been done and I don’t know if it will end up being done, but the negotiations are underway and we are talking.”
Barcelona are willing to offload Memphis before the winter window closes. The Catalans either want a fee of 7 million euros or for a player to be included in the deal to replace the Dutchman.
Memphis has also been linked with a move to Serie A side Inter but his lawyer has shut down those rumors and insisted there are no talks taking place. As such, it appears Atletico are in pole position to land the 28-year-old.
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Carrasco To Follow In Lewandowski’s Footsteps?
One stumbling block to any deal could be that Atletico really aren’t keen on letting Carrasco join Barcelona, as reported by Relevo. Simeone’s side still think he’s a key player and he has featured 15 times in La Liga so far this season.
Yet Barcelona will be offered hope by the fact that Carrasco shares an agent with Robert Lewandowski. The striker has revealed how Zahavi helped broker his deal to Barcelona despite Bayern not wanting to sell in an interview with Bild, as reported by Sport1.
“Pini never gave up, that’s unbelievable. I thanked him on the night from Friday to Saturday. It was perhaps the most complicated transfer of my life. But we made it. I am very grateful to him for helping me to take this step,” he explained. “Pini is not selfish, he only has one thing on his mind: the well-being of his players and clients. I think those responsible at Bayern know: He’s a professional.”
If Carrasco pushes for a transfer in the same way as Lewandowski then he may be granted his wish of moving to the Camp Nou. However, both teams do not have too much time to complete the deal with the transfer window set to close at the end of the month.
What Would Carrasco Bring To Barcelona?
If Carrasco does move to Barcelona then he’d offer Xavi another option on the left side of the attack. The Belgian is known for his close control and dribbling ability but has struggled for goals and assists this season.
Indeed Carrasco has only managed one goal for Atletico so far in what’s been a difficult campaign. The Rojiblancos are fourth in the table but already 13 points behind leaders Barcelona having played a game more.
Xavi has plenty of attacking options but both Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele prefer to play off the right. Ferran Torres can play across the frontline but has struggled to impress this season and is suspended for Barca’s next two league matches.
Fati is another option on the left of the attack but is also finding it difficult to nail down a place in the starting XI. The 20-year-old has featured 16 times in the Spanish top flight this season but just five of those appearances have been as a starter.
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‘We Are Talking’ – Agent Confirms Barcelona Negotiating Swap Deal