Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff has revealed what the Spanish giants intend to do with Memphis Depay in the January transfer window amid significant interest from the Premier League. The former Manchester United star's contract in Spain is up in the summer and a bargain deal could be struck in next month's window.
Arsenal and Chelsea are two clubs interested in the services of Depay after it became apparent he was likely to receive minimal game time following his injuries and the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Despite his injury issues, which have seen him make just four La Liga appearances this season, Depay was called up to the Netherlands World Cup squad, gradually playing more minutes as his fitness builds.
READ MORE: Arsenal set for January transfer windfall as World Cup earnings revealed after last-16 outcome
Depay had to settle for appearances from the bench in his country's first two games, but he started against Qatar and the USMNT, with the Barcelona star sweeping in the Netherlands first goal in their 3-1 last-16 victory.
Chelsea registered an interest in Depay over the summer transfer window and the Gunners have since emerged as a possible destination - along with former side Man Utd. Depay will be able to speak to foreign clubs in January about a free transfer in the summer, should he not extend with Barcelona before then.
"I don't want to think about the past, I'm focused on the World Cup," Depay admitted last month. "I also don't want to think beyond this competition. I don't know what will happen after the World Cup."
Spanish news outlet AS reported that Barcelona will sell the forward in January. This could be due to the economic restrictions that prevent the Catalan side from signing players in the January transfer window, although Barcelona director Cruyff is not expecting him to leave next month.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: "Why should we sell Depay in January if it’s difficult to sign new players because of Financial Fair Play? He's always been a great professional. He can be really helpful."
With Depay's contract expiring in June, Cruyff also gave a response to a possible departure at the end of the current campaign, stating: "We will see in the next months."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal predicted XI vs Lyon: Tierney starts, Xhaka decision, Zinchenko and Smith Rowe miss out
Stan Kroenke prepares £13.8m transfer plan to ease Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus blow for Mikel Arteta
Goncalo Ramos hands Arsenal transfer lesson as Edu prepares pivotal January window masterplan
Why Arsenal and England hero Bukayo Saka should win 2022 Fans' Footballer of the Year award
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
