Arsenal are reportedly ready to lodge a ‘low offer’ to tempt Barcelona to consider selling Memphis Depay in January.
According to Tutto Juve, Arsenal continue to chase Memphis Depay ahead of the January tranfer window and could make a ‘low offer’ for the Barcelona attacker. The Dutchman will have six months left on his deal, representing the best chance for the Catalan giants to get a financial incentive.
Arsenal are in an interesting yet challenging spot ahead of the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta has a crucial decision regarding a specific recruit. The loss of Gabriel Jesus through injury will see the striker miss at least three months of action.
His absence will come as a blow for Arsenal and their title chances. Eddie Nketiah is their only cover for Jesus, and Arteta knows he is taking a risk by only going with the young forward for a few months at a stretch. It may put the Gunners in a similar spot to last season when they failed to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and subsequently faltered in the top-four race.
Arteta is unlikely to repeat that error and may want to sign a new forward to replace Jesus. The Gunners are not about to enter the January transfer window flush with cash, so the idea of signing a ‘cheap’ forward might appeal to them.
Despite reports linking them with Dusan Vlahovic again, it may appear unlikely that Arsenal would splash big on another striker. Arteta had initially planned on bringing in a much-needed wide attacker and a new midfielder in the window but may add a new forward to that list.
While Arsenal are not about to stretch their original budget by much, it is safe to assume that Arteta might look for bargain deals in the market. Memphis Depay is the closest player to Jesus in this market, as he is mobile and has an eye for goal.
The Barcelona attacker’s situation in Catalonia could prove opportunistic for Arsenal as they might explore by making a ‘low offer.’ Depay will enter the final six months of his contract, and it seems unlikely he will extend his Camp Nou stay. Moreover, he has plenty of interest from Premier League clubs that may play into his mind.
Barcelona are desperate to cut their current wage bill further, and offloading Depay will play a decent role in getting their act together. While there is a significant risk of losing the Dutch attacker on a free transfer in the summer, the Blaugrana could earn a financial return if they are to accept a cut-price offer from Arsenal in January.
