Arsenal are likely to spend during the January transfer window as they look to add more quality and depth to challenge for the Premier League title.
A new midfielder should be one of the top priorities with the worrying injury record of Thomas Partey, but the club may also want another wide player.
For the past few months, there has been much talk about Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk, but we simply don’t see the Gunners signing him in January.
Mudryk has talked up a move to the north London club, but a mid-season deal appears unlikely with Shakhtar having set a staggering €100 million (£87m) price tag.
Hence, the Gunners may have to look elsewhere and in our opinion, the club should attempt to land Depay in a cut-price deal from Barcelona this winter.
The 28-year-old has been injury-prone this season and he has played just 130 minutes. However, the Dutchman has been ruled fit ahead of the World Cup.
The Spanish giants are willing to sell him for just €5m (£4.35m) with his contract expiring next summer and he could be a bargain signing for the Gunners.
Depay, who is currently on £175,000-a-week at Barcelona, can play on both the left wing and centre-forward positions. His versatility would suit Arsenal.
An 18-month contract would not do the Gunners any harm. Depay has registered a goal or an assist in every 164 minutes since joining Barcelona last season.
Arsenal currently have a handy five-point cushion over Manchester City at the top of the standings, but they face a tough road ahead with another 24 games left.
Injuries could derail their unlikely title charge and they need more quality in their ranks to deal with setbacks.
Bringing Depay on a cut-price deal would allow the Gunners to use the additional funds on pursuing a marquee holding midfielder which is an absolute necessity.
Arsenal’s top-four bid was hampered last term after Partey’s injury. They can ill-afford to make the same mistake by refusing to spend in the winter period.
