Arsenal enter race to sign Barcelona star Memphis Depay

Arsenal have entered the race to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in January, according to TuttoJuve.

The Gunners recently suffered a setback with Gabriel Jesus picking up a knee injury on World Cup duty. He is now sidelined for around three months following a surgery and this could force the club into the transfer market.

Rather than pursuing a big-money signing, the onus could be on a low-cost replacement and TuttoJuve claim that the London giants have now joined Juventus in the race for Depay whose contract with Barcelona expires next summer.

The Italian outlet state that Depay is a player ‘very similar’ to Jesus with ‘a lot of mobility’ and a ‘great sense of goal’. The Gunners are looking at various options for January but it is reported that Depay fits best for their requirements.

Depay would act as good cover for Gabriel Jesus

Depay has had an injury-plagued career at Barcelona, but has still been impressive. The Dutchman has averaged a goal contribution in every 164 minutes for the Catalan giants.

The 28-year-old does not possess the same work rate as Jesus in the final third, but he has good pace on the counter-attack and would provide valuable cover in the Brazilian’s absence.

A recent report from Sport revealed that he could be available for just £1.7 million and in our opinion, he would be a risk-free purchase for the Gunners during the January transfer window.

Depay could also be tempted to return to the Premier League. He may want to prove himself, having previously struggled to make an impression during his two-year spell at Manchester United.

The Dutch international can play on the left wing or as a main striker. He would provide quality and depth within the squad as the Gunners look to challenge for the Premier League title.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com