Arsenal have been linked with a move for former Man Utd man Memphis Depay and have now been told what is needed to tempt Barcelona into a sale this summer, with Xavi apparently having made up his mind.
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Arsenal have reportedly been told that Barcelona will only sell Memphis Depay if they are able to find a suitable replacement.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Dutchman this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his forward options amid the expected departure of Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will pursue their interest in the former Manchester United man, but Barcelona appear to have made a decision on his future already.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Catalan giants will only let Depay leave the Nou Camp if they manage to find a replacement first. It is suggested that manager Xavi would be happy to keep the 28-year-old at the club if he fails to sign his main targets during the summer window.
Meanwhile, Depay is said to be keen to continue his La Liga stay despite interest from Arsenal and Italian giants Juventus. The striker has been a Barca player for just under a year, having arrived from Lille on a free transfer last summer.
He scored 13 goals in his debut campaign, enjoying a lightning start before injuries disrupted his form, while the winter arrival and former Arsenal player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were favored up front in the last stages of the season.
He has just over a year left on his contract in Catalonia but has already expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona beyond that. Addressing the rumors surrounding his future earlier this month, he said: “I came here to Barcelona with the desire to play for the team – and of course I want to feel important here for several years.”
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If they fail to give him a try at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will look likely to look elsewhere for attacking recruits. Lacazette appears to be on his way out at the end of his contract and has been linked with a return to former club Lyon.
Eddie Nketiah is rumored to be set to sign a new deal in north London, but he will be the Gunners’ only senior striker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. A number of other names have already been linked with a move to the club, including Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazil international – who has a year left on his contract – has spoken about his future after City lifted the Premier League crown earlier this month. He said: “I have a contract with City and I have already expressed my desire to the people at City and to my agent. I have it very clear in my head what I want.
“Today I want to celebrate a lot with City. It is obvious that I am very happy here. Tomorrow, if everything goes well for me, my wife and our family, Helena [his daughter] will come into the world.
“So, I have to enjoy this moment. Then think of the team, smile again at the team. And, on vacation, I decide my future.”
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