Atletico Madrid offer new contract to Yannick Carrasco amid Barcelona interest

Atletico Madrid have reportedly extended a contract offer to winger Yannick Carrasco, who is being pursued by Barcelona this summer, as per Diario AS.

In January, Barcelona reportedly secured a purchase option valued at around €19 million for Carrasco during the negotiation of Memphis Depay’s transfer to Atletico Madrid.

While the Blaugrana have shown interest in the 29-year-old Belgian international, any potential move hinges on them offloading ‘unused’ forward Ferran Torres. However, with no signs of the Spaniard’s departure and Barcelona prioritizing other deals, the pursuit of Carrasco has slowed down for now.

It’s worth noting that Barcelona’s buy option for the winger expires on Friday, June 30. With their current focus on other operations, Atletico believe their rivals will not make a move for Carrasco this summer.

Consequently, the Rojiblancos have presented Carrasco with a contract offer to secure his stay at the club. His current deal with expires in 2024, and the report suggests they have proposed a two-year extension with a slightly improved salary.

However, Carrasco believes he deserves a more substantial pay raise, leading to previous contract talks stalling. Despite finishing the season with ten goals and five assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, the 29-year-old has been eager for a transfer to Barcelona since January, when the Catalans first expressed interest.

Yet, with coach Xavi Hernandez no longer prioritizing Carrasco, the player may opt to negotiate and sign a new contract with Atletico.