ARSENAL are reportedly lining up a shock move for Memphis Depay as a potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
French outlet Le 10 Sport claim that Mikel Arteta is keen to bring the ex-Manchester United flop back to the Premier League should he lose one or both of his strikers.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in bringing Memphis Depay back to the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP or licensors
The Gunners boss is believed to rate the Netherland International’s technical ability as well as his flamboyant personality.
Depay struggled to make an impact during his two-year spell in England at Old Trafford but has since enjoyed a resurgence in form in Ligue 1.
His contract is due to expire next summer and the report confirms recent rumours that he is looking elsewhere after Lyon failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in 23-years.
Depay’s last appearance came on December 15 when he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in the 1-0 defeat to Rennes.
The Dutch star had been one of the league’s standout players, racking up 14 goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Lyon, captaining the side five times.
Those figures are in stark contrast to his failed spell at Manchester United.
Depay joined from PSV in 2015 and requested the doomed No7 shirt at Old Trafford but just 18 months later, with seven goals in 53 appearances, he was sold again.
Tottenham, Liverpool and, more recently, Lazio have all been linked with moves for the forward.
But Arsenal could be the most proactive in securing Depay’s signature as they look to cope with the potential exits of both their strikers.
The Gunners may be forced to sell their top goalscorer Aubameyang at the end of the season as he enters the final year of his contract.
The Gabon international has yet to agree a new deal and is being chased by a number of top European clubs including Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan.
While Lacazette has also been tipped for the exit door after struggles with form and fitness has seen him regularly replaced in the side by Eddie Nketiah.
Memphis Depay dons bizarre £5,500 Louis Vuitton outfit with 3D removable pocket trousers
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
