Arsenal must offload Mesut Ozil before they can afford to sign Yannick Carrasco, Fox Sport Asia reports.
Carrasco, who currently plays for Chinese club Dalian Yifang, is a prime target for the Gunners this January but without the sale of Ozil, the club do not have the funds to secure the player.
Ozil has fallen out of favour under new Gunners boss Unai Emery and it is believed that the Spaniard is willing to sell the play-maker this month.
However, Arsenal are struggling to find potential suitors for the German due to his staggering £350,000 a week wages.
Carrasco is on similar wages in China, meaning the Gunners can only afford him if Ozil is to leave.
The Belgian international has spent less than a year in China but is already keen on a move back to Europe.
Manchester United are also believed to be interested in the winger and have the funds available to meet his wage demands.
