Arsenal: 3 free agents Arteta should be looking at for rebuild

Memphis Depay – Lyon

Alexandre Lacazette will be out of contract in the summer and Aubameyang isn’t getting any younger. The need for a clinical striker who can put the ball in the back of the net when clean through on goal (take a hint Laca) is clearly there.

Unfortunately for Arteta, such clinical forwards are quite rare and the few that exist are incredibly expensive. A dream free transfer for the Arteta/Edu duo and the entire Arsenal fanbase then would be Memphis Depay.

The Dutch striker has scored 14 goals and assisted nine times this season in Ligue 1. He also scored a whopping six goals in eight games in the Champions League this season. The talent is obviously there.

Arsenal have lacked a truly dynamic winger since Alexis Sanchez left the club. Aubameyang’s looked uncomfortable on the left, Pepe’s been inconsistent and Saka is still only a kid. Depay is comfortable playing as a striker or on the wing but regardless of where he plays, he gets involved and makes things happen.

His speed and close control is riveting and seeing him click through the gears as he drives forward is wonderful to watch. Signing a world-class player like Depay will be a statement of intent for the club hierarchy. It is highly unlikely that Depay will move to a team in such a dire position – not least with Barcelona eyes fixated on him – but if Arteta and Edu somehow pull this off, it would be spectacular indeed.