When Yannick Carrasco left Atlético Madrid last January to join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, there was much consternation regarding the transfer.

While the CSL is viewed as a lucrative, understandable final stop for players in the twilight of their careers, the Belgian departed the European game at the age 24 and without having yet solidified himself as a one of the Continent's best.

Carrasco, who scored in the 2016 Champions League final, said all the right things, of course: “The Chinese championship is booming, the working conditions are excellent, the new infrastructures are modern and they are available for both players and fans,” the told Marca. “The level of play also improves every season.”

Yet the move felt like a waste of the former Monaco star's talent. A year on, however, and the winger appears set to return to Europe after his family failed to settle in the Far East.

Arsenal are in talks to sign Carrasco from Dalian Yifang, and the player's agent has urged the Gunners to work hastily before the transfer window closes at 11pm.