Arsenal could have been given key access to the ideal second striker signing in the summer window. And this is due to Robert Lewandowski’s latest transfer decision.
According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Barcelona will look to sell Memphis Depay this summer if they can get a deal over the line for Lewandowski. The report goes on to claim that the La Liga side will demand £17m if a club wants to secure his services.
The Dutchman has recently been linked to Arsenal, as the Gunners look to improve their attacking department. £17m for Depay is certainly a transfer fee that makes sense and a deal that Edu should look to explore.
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The Gunners will need to sign two forwards due to a major shortage in the forward position. Crystal Palace are hopeful of signing Eddie Nketiah on a free transfer in the summer. Patrick Vieira failed to lure him to Selhurst Park at the start of this season, with the two clubs unable to agree on a fee, but this will no longer be an issue.
If he does depart, along with Alexandre Lacazette, then Folarin Balogun would be the only remaining striker at the club, meaning two striker signings may be required to combat the need for greater squad depth.
Depay had a failed spell in the Premier League at Manchester United, but he has since then grown as a player and has matured which has allowed him to occupy the striker role. Since leaving the Red Devils, the Dutchman scored 76 goals for the French side Lyon, and 10 goals in 30 appearances for Barcelona.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Gunners are looking at making a move for Barcelona forward Memphis Depay. The Dutchman has fallen out of favour at the Camp Nou since Xavi Hernandez took control of the club.
Depay would be a good signing for Arsenal, but only as a 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 pursuit of Gabriel Jesus.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are preparing the opening bid for Jesus. Manchester City want around £50m to sell the forward, even if his current deal won’t be extended.
A striker dup consisting of Depay and Jesus will certainly enhance Arteta’s attacking department ahead of next season. These are both deals that Arsenal should look to complete as a combined £67m package for the players could turn out to be an absolute steal.
