Barcelona have not forgotten about Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco and remain interested in securing his services in the summer transfer window. However, the Catalans are unwilling to offer more than €9-10 million to sign him.
Carrasco had emerged as a target for Barça during the January transfer window. The club negotiated with Atletico for the Belgian while they were in talks over selling Memphis Depay.
While a January could not be finalised, the two clubs reportedly agreed on Barcelona getting a purchase option for Carrasco for the summer. In the past, the fee for such a move has been reported to be around €15-20 million.
However, as per Toni Juanmarti, Atletico Madrid had initially agreed to sell Carrasco to Barcelona for just €9 million, before they suddenly jacked up the price.
Now, Barcelona are prepared to revisit their interest in the Belgian, but they will not spend more than the €9-10 million figure that was previously agreed upon.
Carrasco is valued by Barcelona as they are lacking a direct threat on the left wing and believe he could provide that to the team. His profile and character are liked by the Catalans and the winger himself is open to a move to Camp Nou.
Carrasco’s current contract with Atletico Madrid expires in 2024, and the 29-year-old is disappointed with the club for not offering an improved renewal. That, coupled with Barça’s interest, could potentially lead to him leaving the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
However, the Blaugrana will only move for Carrasco if there is enough salary margin. The priority for the club is to first deal with the Financial Fair Play issue, which could require a big sale, with Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres being earmarked as possible departees.
In that case, if there is enough space created, Barcelona will plan to move for Carrasco, but will not spend more than €9-10 million. If Atletico Madrid do not agree to sell at that price, the Catalans will explore other options.
