Man Utd reject discusses bargain January transfer chances as Arsenal links gather serious pace

Out-of-favour Barcelona forward Memphis Depay has opened up on his future with transfer links to Arsenal beginning to gather serrious pace.

The Dutch forward made his move to Barcelona in the summer of 2021 but has quickly fallen out of favour.

He has missed several matches throughout the course of his Barcelona career with injuries and the Spanish club is ready to move him on. Last season he did manage to score 12 league goals in just 20 starts and eight substitute appearances.

He was signed on a free transfer for an initial two-year deal in 2021. As this is the case, his deal with Barcelona is set to expire in the summer of 2023.

Since Xavi’s arrival, Depay’s first-team chances have been fairly slim. With a preferred front three of Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele there has not been room to fit Depay in. And with Raphinha also in the mix, Memphis’ chances look bleak.

After a failed move to Manchester United, Depay did well to build his career up again with Lyon in Ligue 1. In 178 appearances for the French side, he scored 76 goals.

At 28 years old Depay needs to be playing regular first-team football. His next move will determine his game time and what’s next to come.

Memphis Depay discusses future amid Arsenal links

Depay will be hoping to have a successful World Cup campaign with the Netherlands to put himself in the shop window.

In their opener against Senegal, he was utilised as a second-half substitute. The Netherlands currently top Group A after claiming a 2-0 win.

The Barcelona forward, when asked about a transfer, offered a cagey opinion.

Speaking at a press conference (via Mundo Deportivo), he said: “I don’t know what will happen after the World Cup. The injury has been hard, but I’m already recovered and I’m enjoying a World Cup.

“We have a good team that can prove things. I don’t want to think about the past, I’m focused on the World Cup. I also don’t want to think beyond this competition.

“I’m very happy to play again, very happy. It took me a long time to come back,” admitted the Dutchman.

“It hasn’t been easy mentally, but I’ve worked hard to get there and I’ve played half an hour. It’s a step. It’s incredible to play soccer again.”

The Barcelona forward has recently been linked with a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s side go in search of another forward. Indeed, reports claim Depay will be allowed to leave for a fee of just £4.3m (€5m), which could give the Gunners another excellent option in attack.

What would he bring to Arsenal?

Arsenal currently boast the youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of just 24 years old.

As this is the case, Depay would bring a wealth of experience to a young and dynamic squad.

The 28-year-old is also versatile enough to play in several positions. Arteta tends to favour versatility when it comes to selecting his forwards.

Depay is comfortable playing on the left-hand side or can quite easily play through the middle as a number nine.

Gabriel Jesus has been a terrific addition to the Arsenal squad, but he still lacks a killer instinct in the final third. As of writing, he is currently on a 12-game goal drought.

Arsenal are in need of another forward and they could certainly do a lot worse than Depay who is available at a cut-price.

READ MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Ten Hag warned top target’s fee could hit eye-watering new heights after starring World Cup role