Could another attacker be on the agenda of both Arsenal and Chelsea before the transfer window slams shut on September 1?
This is currently the million dollar question but based on names on a squad list, both London rivals are looking a little light up front currently with less than three days to go until the Gunners open up the 2022/23 campaign under the lights of Selhurst Park. Arsenal are relying on new signing Gabriel Jesus to stay fit for what is set to be a gruelling season with the added Europa League football expected to clog up their fixture list. If the £45million recruit, who has been on fire in pre-season, was to get injured, Eddie Nketiah would have a big burden on his shoulders to produce week in, week out.
For Chelsea, with Romelu Lukaku already gone and Timo Werner seemingly on his way out too, a new attacker to help share the load with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling could be on the agenda before the September 1 deadline passes by. Currently, the defensive re-structure is the sole priority for new owner Todd Boehly to solve. Both Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta have been open in recent times about the need for more transfers to be done ahead of the gruelling 2022/23 campaign but whether this equates to a new attacker/striker being signed remains to be seen.
READ MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham could secure transfer of ex-Man United ace amid Barcelona claim
"We’re still hoping to do something else if the market allows us to do that," Arteta said in his post-match press conference after Arsenal's Emirates Cup victory over Sevilla. "You've seen some movement in the other direction in the last few days so we want to get the perfect balance and the plan we wanted right at the beginning. Whether we can accomplish that or not is another story, but I’m happy with where we are now."
If a new versatile attacker was to be signed before the deadline, could this person be former Man United ace Memphis Depay?
According to the latest claims from the Spanish press, the 28-year-old has told he can 'search' for his next club as Barcelona desperately scramble to generate transfer funds and reduce the congested wage bill that could prove problematic currently with La Liga regulations.
With Frenkie de Jong unwilling to budge on his Chelsea and Man United transfer stance, this has led Barca president Joan Laporta to become creative in his approach to fulfilling this mission. Oscar Mingueza has recently completed his Celta Vigo switch whilst their current number 9 seems primed to be the next out of the door as Robert Lewandowski's arrival has seemingly signalled the end of the Dutch international's stay in the Spanish city.
Spanish journalist Ferran Martinez has updated with his latest tweet: "Everything indicates that Memphis will leave. All parties are now searching for a new club, as the player knows he won’t get minutes here. Juventus interested, among other clubs."
If either Arsenal or Chelsea were to make a move for a player who only attained 13 goal contributions during his first stint in English football, only a bargain fee would be required which would be music to the ears of Edu and Boehly.
This is according to the same journalist Martinez who added that Barca only wants around £16-17million for the player who was held in high regard by previous manager Ronald Koeman. Although, the latest seems to indicate that one top European club could not have to pay anything to sign Depay. This is as per Fabrizio Romano who has tweeted: 'Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future.
'Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs.'
Chelsea and Arsenal fans - would you like to see your clubs take a punt on Memphis Depay, especially considering the mere £17million asking price? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Wesley Fofana latest, Marc Cucurella progress made and how Chelsea are preparing to beat Everton
Big Arsenal Forum: Answer the call as we ask fans 7 key questions
Mikel Arteta facing defensive dilemma ahead of Palace clash as Arsenal transfer exits loom
