Arsenal hit the front in race for Man Utd flop, but opening offer falls short

Arsenal have offered €30million to sign Lyon winger Memphis Depay but their opening bid has fallen short of the French club’s valuation, according to a report.

Earlier reports claimed the Gunners are keen on the ex-Manchester United forward.

Le10 Sport said Arsenal would consider an approach should either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette depart.

However, according to Todofichajes, Arsenal are already “actively negotiating” with Lyon about a deal for Depay.

The report says Arsenal are one of many clubs keen, but the north London side has “taken the lead” in proceedings.

What’s more, the Gunners have made an opening offer of €30million, which Lyon have rejected.

Instead, the Ligue 1 side are looking to earn €45million from the winger’s sale, which is looking likely in the coming months.

Depay only has one year left on the contract he signed after leaving United in 2017. The Dutchman has proved a vital signing for Lyon, scoring 53 goals and assisting 43 others in 134 games.

Equally as important from Arsenal’s perspective is Aubameyang, whose future is unclear.

The Gabon international reached 50 Premier League goals on Wednesday – faster than club icon Thierry Henry. However, he is at a similar career crossroads to Depay, with only one year left on his deal.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that talks will take place and he hopes the striker will stay.

Arteta said: “The way he works everyday he decided to get better. Hopefully he’s here for longer. He can see what we are trying to do and hopefully he can evolve.”

ARSENAL CLINICAL AGAINST NORWICH

Aubameyang reached the impressive milestone of 50 Premier League goals in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Norwich.

In doing so, he moved up to 19 league goals for the season, making him the top-flight’s joint-top scorer alongside Jamie Vardy.

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul gifted Aubameyang his first goal with an error in possession.

However, the 30-year-old did well for his second, controlling a pass and slotting home.

READ MORE: Liverpool urged to consider Aubameyang swoop