Premier League leaders Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Memphis Depay from Barcelona in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Memphis Depay is the subject of interest from Arsenal over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Gunners want to bolster their attack this winter, with the Barcelona outcast emerging on their radar.
Memphis Depay has seen his stock plummet considerably since joining Barcelona. The Dutchman enjoyed a decent 2021/22 season and finished the term as Barcelona’s top scorer. But he had already fallen down the pecking order when the campaign ended in May. And things have gone from bad to worse in the first half of 2022/23.
With Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha arriving at Camp Nou, Depay has become a peripheral figure. The 28-year-old has made only three appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring once. So it is hardly surprising that he wants to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window. And Arsenal might provide an escape route to the player.
Arsenal will likely enter the market for a few reinforcements in the January transfer window after Mikel Arteta insisted he needed more players in his squad. And the attacking unit might be the area the north London club will address on a priority basis. That is because the Gunners are overly dependent on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for the wide-attacking roles.
While Emile Smith Rowe can feature on the left flank, his fitness issues have left him on the sidelines. So Arsenal will have to scour the market for a wide attacker. Several players, including Mykhaylo Mudryk, have thus emerged on their radar heading into the January transfer window. And Depay is also a viable target.
The Barcelona attacker has prior experience in the Premier League with Manchester United. And Depay is at the peak of his powers. In addition, a strong showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup will likely help him go to his next club brimming with confidence. And with the player keen on leaving Barcelona as a free agent, Arsenal might find him an appealing option.
But Arsenal will not be the only big-name club pursuing Depay, with Manchester United and Tottenham also interested. And it will be interesting to see which club will sign the 28-year-old when he inevitably leaves Barcelona in January.
