Mikel Arteta is said to be keen on bringing Depay to the Emirates Stadium.
Image source: nbcsports.com
According to a report from Le10 Sport, Arsenal are reportedly plotting a surprise move for Lyon ace Memphis Depay, with reports adding that Mikel Arteta looks keen on bringing the Dutch star to the Emirates stadium. However, Lyon are confident of securing a contract extension for Depay, whose name hasn’t surfaced on any of the big club’s radar apart from AC Milan.
Arteta is currently in the transfer market for attacking reinforcements as both Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, and Alexandre Lacazette are being linked with an exit from the Gunners, with former one on Barcelona’s radar. Gunners recently announced the contract extension of Bukayo Saka until 2024, thereby clearing the air on his future. Furthermore, the Gunners have been linked with loads of attackers which includes the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Justin Kluivert.
Going forward, the Gunners have to ensure a marquee signing who should be as influential as Aubameyang. Depay can be considered as such a player, who can provide the spark in the attack and an opt replacement for Aubameyang in the event of his departure. While Depay’s slump with Manchester United would be difficult to forget, his success in the French top-flight can’t be taken for granted. Ever since he left the Old Trafford to France, Depay became a prominent fixture for Lyon. In other words, goals and assists galore from his foot. Precisely, he has amassed more than 50 goals and 40 assists for Lyon over three seasons. Astounding numbers and hence the Dutchman is considered as one of the prolific attackers in Europe. The 2019/20 season was an injury-ridden season for the 26-year-old, yet he managed to grab up 18 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
The Gunners were off to shocking start after the COVID break, suffering back to back defeats against Manchester City and Brighton despite securing their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Arteta has stated that Arsenal’s transfer business in the summer depends on their Champions League qualification, which would play a huge role in luring some big names to the side.
Earlier, Lyon stated that Rossoneri should cough up around €30m to secures the services of Depay. The fee looks more of a bargain for a player of such high calibre, and Arsenal wouldn’t find it any difficult to pay it. Unlike Milan, who are in a transitional period for an extended period, the Gunners can ensure Depay a return to the English top-flight – also as a means of redemption for his earlier debacles he had at Old Trafford.
