Reports: Chelsea to rival Arsenal for €51 million winger in January

What's the story?

Oh, the 'magic' of the January transfer window is almost upon us and with some managers looking to strengthen their hand and others looking to weed out the elements they feel are detrimental to the squad, this should be a fun month.

Arsenal and Chelsea are looking to be the first of the mark, and as per reports coming out from the good folk over at the Metro (via AS), Atletico Madrid may well provide them a fantastic opportunity to do so.

Diego Simeone is reportedly unhappy with his £45 million (or 51 million) rated Belgian midfielder Yannick Carrasco - who has been involved in bust-ups with influential Atletico men Gabi, Koke and the fitness coach Oscar Ortega - and has told the Atleti hierarchy to go ahead and sell him if the right bid comes along.

In case you didn't know

Carrasco, 24-years-old, has been instrumental in Atleti's recent successes but El Cholo knows the importance of keeping the team happy as a unit more than most and he'll be willing to sacrifice the inventiveness of the Belgian for the team.

The heart of the matter

Carrasco is expected to be joined by Luciano Vietto and Nicolas Gaitan in walking out of the Wanda Metropolitana - while the Croat Sime Vrsaljko was also on the way out, Simeone seems to be intent on retaining him.

Carrasco's departure will be softened with the arrival of Vitolo mid-season, the Spanish winger had been unable to join Atleti in the summer due to their transfer ban.

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Yannick Carrasco's magic is undisputable

Chelsea and Arsenal would love to have him on their side.

Author's Take

Carrasco's quick feet and inimitable dribbling ability would add an added dimension to both Arsenal's and Chelsea's attacks - something both of them seem a bit lacking in at times.