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Arsenal reportedly want player that Robert Pires predicted would return to England

Will Butcher

Thu 2 July 2020 12:45, UK

Just over a year ago, Robert Pires predicted Lyon star Memphis Depay would return to the Premier League either at Manchester United or one of their rivals. Fast forward to now, and Mikel Arteta reportedly wants him at Arsenal.

Still only 26, Lyon skipper Depay is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has limited the Netherlands international to just 18 appearances this season – in which he scored 14 goals.

The former Manchester United ace has now entered the final 12 months of his contract and Arsenal are keen. that if either Alexandre Lacazette of Pierre-Emerick Aubemayeng depart, Depay could be signed.

in March 2019, Arsenal icon Pires said Depay wanted to return to the Premier League and could rejoin United or go to one of their rivals. Now, one of those rivals in Arsenal could look to land Depay.

“Depay wants to come back to the Premier League and he feels he has unfinished business in England,” Depay said. “He perhaps feels he wasn’t given a chance to perform and earn the right to stay longer

“He was so young and showed glimpses of undoubted potential. Depay might want to return to Manchester United or he might be motivated to prove them wrong by performing for one of their rivals in the Premier League.”

TBR’s view – Should Arsenal sign Depay?

Arteta’s comments after the 4-0 win over Norwich suggest that Arsenal are confident Aubameyang will stay at the Emirates. But even if Aubameyang does stay, bringing in Depay would be an excellent move.

Alexandre Lacazette is struggling and clubs are likely to be interested in signing the Frenchman, if Arsenal relax their stronghold of the French ace. A return to Lyon may tempt the Frenchman – a Depay/Lacazette swap would make perfect sense, then.