According to a recent report by Le10Sport, Arsenal are eyeing a move for Olympique Lyonnais wing wizard Memphis Depay this summer. The same source has also claimed that the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the Dutch wide player’s technical qualities and personality. It is believed that if the North London outfit end up losing either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette, then Arteta would turn his attention towards recruiting Depay, who is eager to seal a move away from Lyon in the upcoming transfer window (via Le10Sport).
Depay’s Brilliant Form For Lyon This Season
The 26-year-old enjoyed another impressive season at the Groupama Stadium after producing several match-winning performances down the left side of Rudi Garcia’s attack. He made 18 appearances for Lyon last season, scoring 14 goals and providing two assists in all competitions which highlight his prolific nature in the final third.
Depay has found a run of consistency with his performances in the previous campaign based on his average of 3.6 shots, 2.1 key passes, 2.2 dribbles and 0.9 crosses per 90 minutes in the Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League (stats via whoscored).
The former Manchester United attacker has also earned 51 senior caps for the Dutch national team, registering 19 goals for his homeland in the process. Maybe a return to the Premier League this summer could provide him with a more prominent platform to take his game to another level in the coming seasons.
What Will The Dutch Wing Wizard Bring To The Emirates Stadium?
Depay can utilise his pace and agility to complete some penetrative dribbles with the ball out on the wide areas. He is proficient at making smart runs with the ball and is not afraid to launch a shot from long range when given time and space by the opposition. The Dutch international packs a lot of power with his goal-attempts and can curve the ball into the opposition net as well. What makes him such an exceptional talent is his incredible goal-scoring record at Lyon, so the Gunners will do well to lure him to the English capital this summer.
Recruiting a winger of Depay’s calibre will be a brilliant move for Mikel Arteta as he could help Arsenal challenge for a top-four place in the upcoming campaign. He will not only add plenty of goals to Arteta’s frontline but also improve the overall depth of his squad at North London. Plus, the Dutch speedster will provide some serious competition for the likes of Reiss Nelson, Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah for a place in the Gunners’ first-team.
Hence, it makes sense for the London giants to orchestrate a move for him if they end up losing either Aubameyang or Lacazette ahead of the new season. At 26, Depay is currently playing at his peak, which Arteta could look to benefit from in the years to come.
