Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Paper Talk: Edu takes on Levy as Arsenal push Tottenham aside for Man Utd flop

Memphis Depay battle. Arsenal technical director Edu ready to battle several Premier League rivals

Arsenal are leading three Premier League rivals, including Tottenham, in the race for Memphis Depay, the battle for Christian Eriksen is heating up, while Wednesday’s Paper Talk claims Ronald Araujo has decided his next club amid links to Liverpool and Man Utd.

EDU PUSHES ARSENAL INTO FRONT OF MEMPHIS DEPAY RACE

Arsenal are leading a queue of Premier League clubs looking to sign Memphis Depay from Barcelona this summer, claims a report.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options this summer and will likely have a very different frontline next season. Indeed, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah on course for free exits, Edus is considering a number of new options.

As such, the likes of Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Darwin Nunez are among those being linked.

Indeed, that trio would all set Arsenal back transfer fees of at least £50m. And given they will likely need two new strikers, the Gunners are having to carefully consider their options.

One option, however, who will cost a fair chunk less is Memphis Depay.

The Netherlands attacker moved to Barcelona last summer on a free transfer from Lyon. He started well at the Nou Camp with four goals in his first 10 appearances.

However, a spate of new arrivals in January have pushed the former Man Utd man down the pecking order. As a result, Memphis has just two goals for Barca since the turn of the year.

Now it seems a parting of ways looks likely with Barcelona ready to sell for a lowly fee.

And with just a year left on his deal this summer, a move to the Premier League looks to be on the cards.

Tottenham have already been strongly linked with a report recently claiming Daniel Levy has an offer on the table.

Spurs interested in Barcelona forward Memphis Depay

Spurs interested in Barcelona forward Memphis Depay

Barcelona are looking to sell Memphis Depay with Tottenham the favourites to sign the Dutch striker

Everton and Newcastle are also reportedly keeping an eye on his situation ahead of the summer.

However, The Sun claims it is Arsenal who are leading the chase.

They claim Memphis is ‘seduced’ by the prospect of returning to England. And with technical director Edu making his move, he hopes to get one over Tottenham’s top negotiator Levy.

Depay struggled during his last stint in England with Manchester United. During two seasons at Old Trafford, he netted just twice in 33 games.

MAN UTD JOIN CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN BATTLE

Christian Eriksen is on Manchester United’s wanted list this summer as the race to sign the Dane heats up.

The 30-year-old is back doing what he does best after a close shave with death. Having suffered and miraculously survived a cardiac arrest at last summer’s European Championships, it seemed likely his glorious career would end before its time.

Christian Eriksen playing for Brentford

However, just nine months, Eriksen is playing for – and starring for – Brentford and his country Denmark again.

Indeed, his exceptional display on Saturday as Brentford beat Chelsea 4-1 at Stamford Bridge proves he’s back to his best.

Having signed him on a short-term deal, Brentford, understandably, want to extend his stay. To that end, Eriksen will certainly feel loyalty towards Thomas Frank for giving him that second chance.

Reports, though, claim former club Tottenham are looking to bring him back in an emotional return.

Now, the Daily Mail claims Manchester United are also reportedly considering a move.

That leaves the player with some serious thinking to do.

Bees boss Frank, though, remains confident of a positive outcome for his side.

Frank said: “In any footballer’s decision to move clubs there are a lot of aspects. It will be the same for Christian.

“To be fair, I know Christian quite well and one thing he’s good at is just enjoying the moment. And I think he’s enjoying it even more.

“So we are not thinking too much of what is going to happen in two or three months’ time.

“I’m just very pleased he’s playing for us. It’s no secret that I want him to continue next season.

“I know Christian is enjoying his football and really enjoying being back. I know I will have to answer these questions until the end of the season, so let’s see what will happen.”

LIVERPOOL, MAN UTD BLOW AS RONALD ARAUJO MAKES BARCELONA DECISION

Liverpool and Manchester United look destined to miss out on Ronald Araujo with the defender close to agreeing a new deal at Barcelona.

Ronald Araujo warming up for Barcelona

The Uruguayan has become a bedrock of Xavi’s side and is now one of the first names on his teamsheet.

However, earning just £35,000 a week and on a deal to 2023, the North-West rivals were both looking to take advantage.

United reportedly see Araujo as a potential replacement for the struggling Harry Maguire.

As such, a report on Tuesday revealed the ‘dizzying offer’ United had put to the 23-year-old.

Indeed, their wages offer looks far higher than anything Barca – still struggling financially – are able to offer Araujo.

Liverpool, meanwhile, saw the defender as a potential replacement for Joe Gomez. The England defender may be sold this summer after growing concerned about his lack of football.

However, The Sun now reports that Araujo is only thinking about extending his stay with Barcelona.

“We are working on [a new deal],” Araujo told ESPN.

“There are [more] meetings this week and I hope it’s resolved soon because I want to stay at this club for many years.”