Yannick Carrasco has admitted there was real interest from Arsenal in January and has opened the door on a move to England this summer.
The 25-year-old Belgium midfielder looks destined to leave the Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang this summer and is desperate to return to Europe after 12 months in Asia.
Arsenal were in the running for Carasco in the winter transfer window, while Foot Mercato reported that Manchester United also held an interest in the player in January.
Now though the time could be right for Carrasco to move on after seven goals in nine starts for his club this term on the back of nine goals and seven assists last season.
Carrasco told The Sun: “There was interest from Arsenal and I had a lot of teams in January giving me the chance to go back to Europe, but here the president said it was difficult to go then.
“Maybe this summer it is possible. If it is a good thing and I want to go, maybe I can speak with the president.
“I try to do my best because I am a professional for my team and after we can think about a solution. If I have a lot of teams who want me but the president decides I have to stay, I cannot do anything.
“All that you want is to be close to your family, and to go back to Europe is a good solution.”
Carrasco, who is believed to have cost Dalian around €30million in January 2018, says he likes the idea of a move to the Premier League.
“All the people know England is one of the best championships in the world, it’s a big competition.
“The players who play in the Premier League tell me it is a physical league, strong, but you also have a lot of space.
“Sometimes when you play in other countries you do not have a lot of space but in England it is open, the play is up and down the pitch.
“That would suit me. I think I can play in a lot of competitions in the world, I can attack and also I can defend.
“With the national team I play as a winger, but also I can play in behind. England would be a good competition for me. I think I would be OK.
“If I have the opportunity to go to England, why not?”