Arteta ‘interested in signing Memphis Depay’ if Auba or Laca leave

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta wants to sign Lyon’s Memphis Depay if Pierre Emerick Aubameyang or Alexander Lacazette depart the club in the summer, according to Le 10 Sport. 

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has one year remaining on his deal and is yet to agree a contract extension with the Gunners. If he does not sign an extension with the club, he is expected to leave in the summer with Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona and Inter Milan interested in securing the Gabon international’s services.

Alexander Lacazette has two years remaining on his contract with Arsenal. He has had an indifferent season and is said to have asked the club to provide clarity on his future. Atletico Madrid are known to be fond of the Frenchman and there has been speculation linking him with a move to the Rojiblancos. Some reports have even hinted at the possibility of a swap deal involving him and Thomas Partey. 

If one of Aubameyang or Lacazette were to leave the North London side in the summer, Mikel Arteta is said to be interested in securing the signing of Lyon striker Memphis Depay as a replacement. Depay moved to Lyon from Manchester United in 2017. He has scored 53 goals and provided 43 assists in 134 appearances since arriving in France. This season, the Dutch forward has scored 14 goals and provided two assists in 18 games across all competitions. 

Depay’s contract with Lyon expires next year. The two parties have not found an agreement on a new contract yet and the French side would be loath to see their star player leave the club for free next summer. The Dutchman is interested in returning to England. Arteta is said to be a fan of his technical qualities and personality. Arsenal have not made contact with the player or his club yet as they are focussing on sorting out the futures Aubameyang and Lacazette but a move can be expected if one of Arsenal’s star duo were to exit the club.