Arsenal are still active in the summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta confirmed in the build-up to the first victory of the season against Crystal Palace. Alongside a midfielder needing to be signed, a more attacking player is also needed to improve the goal-scoring threat for the Gunners.
Speaking about the transfer window, Arteta said: "It’s incredible how much business the club has already done across the Premier League, and it shows how competitive this is. It’s not going to stop that. Players are going to have to leave, some others to move, and everything is open still.”
With the forward department needing to be strengthened, one player who is a possibility for the Gunners is Memphis Depay from Barcelona. However, it has now emerged that the Gunners could face competition from Manchester United.
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Two months ago, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that the Gunners are looking at making a move for Barcelona forward Depay. The Dutchman has fallen out of favour at Camp Nou since Xavi took control of the club, and with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining it has pushed him further down the pecking order.
However, Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has reported that Manchester United have tabled a €10million (£8.5million) bid to sign the Dutchman. Depay had left the Red Devils in 2016 after a disappointing spell with the Premier League side.
Despite Jesus’ arrival, Edu still needs to add more firepower to Arteta’s options in the summer transfer window. Eddie Nketiah and Jesus will need more goal support throughout the season from different areas of the pitch.
Depay would be a good signing for Arsenal, but as a winger or secondary forward, as a more potent striker will also need to be signed in the summer. And this seems to be Edu’s thinking with Arsenal’s capture of Jesus.
Mikel Arteta has been utilising Jesus as a striker throughout the pre-season. However, his recent comments about the new signing suggest that he also wants to use him in a different role in the wing position throughout the season.
But for the Spaniard to unlock this option, another forward must be signed to provide depth alongside Eddie Nketiah . The Gunners have been given a cheap chance to do this by signing Memphis Depay from Barcelona.
Speaking about Jesus, Arteta said: "His versatility is well known. Now we are using him as a nine. He can play as a winger, off the left and the right. You can play with two strikers as we have done in pre-season as and change the shape a little bit. He gives us a lot of flexibility."
Depay has utilised more down the middle during the later years of his career, but he still has the pace to be a threat in the wide areas. He would be a useful option for Arsenal, especially when you take into consideration that he could reportedly be available for a cheap price, so Edu has an excellent chance to explore this deal but will need to overcome Manchester United.
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