Arsenal eye surprise move to sign Barcelona star - Reports

Premier League giants 'ready to offer £40m' for out-of-favour forward

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a surprise move to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are thought to be in the market for a new striker following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in February.

And according to reports in Spain, Arsenal are now considering a move for Depay, who has fallen out of favour at the Camp Nou following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski in the summer.

Depay has scored 14 goals in 38 appearances for Barcelona

The Netherlands international has scored 14 goals in 38 appearances for Barcelona since joining the club from Lyon in 2021.

However, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Xavi, and has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

Arsenal are said to be willing to offer around £40m for Depay, who is contracted to Barcelona until 2023.

The Gunners are in need of a new striker

The Gunners are in need of a new striker following the departure of Aubameyang, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer in February.

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are the only two recognised strikers in Mikel Arteta's squad, and both players are out of contract at the end of the season.

Depay would provide Arsenal with a much-needed goalscorer, and he would also be a good fit for Arteta's style of play.

Depay is a versatile forward

Depay is a versatile forward who can play through the middle or out wide.

He is also a good dribbler and passer, and he would be a valuable addition to the Arsenal squad.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to sign Depay in January, but he would be a good addition to the squad if they can.