Arsenal are in pole position to secure the services of former Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco, who is reportedly keen on returning to Europe following a year in China.

According to Sky Sport Italia, via the Mirror, the Belgian is currently being monitored by another Premier League giant in Manchester United with AC Milan also keeping a close eye on the situation.

But the report reveals that the Gunners have expressed the biggest interest in Carrasco, joined Chinese outfit Dalian Yifang in February last year.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery could be lining up the 25-year-old as a replacement for Danny Welbeck, who suffered a horrible injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League in November, a competition that the bet calculator

has the Gunners as strong contenders for, subsequently ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Welbeck is one of a whole host of players who are out of contract at the Emirates at the end of the season and a big doubt remains as to if the Gunners will offer him an extension on the deal, according to Sky Sports.

This situation has opened the door for manager Unai Emery and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat to explore some options with Carrasco the best available fit for a move to North London.

Carrasco made a total of 124 appearances in the colours of Atletico Madrid before leaving for China, scoring 24 goals in the two and a half seasons he played under Diego Simeone.

The winger could add the pressure in competition on someone like Alex Iwobi, who has been brilliant this season, but Carrasco will most likely take up a squad player role in the Arsenal camp, like Welbeck did, to help Emery get the best out of his first-choice players.

Carrasco poses a natural attacking threat on the wing and has brilliant vision in picking out his teammates.

He is also excellent with the ball at his feet and is a tough player to defend against due to his ability to keep hold of possession for a long time.

For Emery, Carrasco would be the perfect player to use from the bench, while offering full commitment on the pitch.