Arsenal have reportedly been told that Barcelona will only sell Memphis Depay should they be 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 follow through with their interest in the former Manchester United man but Barcelona already appear to have made a decision on his future.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Catalan giants will only let Depay leave the Nou Camp should they be able 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 prime targets during the summer window.
Meanwhile, Depay is said to be keen on continuing his stay in La Liga despite the interest from Arsenal and Italian giants Juventus. The forward 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, whilst winter arrival and former Arsenal man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was preferred up front in the latter stages of the season.
He has just over a year remaining on his contract in Catalonia but has already expressed his desire to stay with Barcelona beyond that. Addressing rumours surrounding his future earlier this month, he said: "I came here at 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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Should they fail to tempt him to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal appear likely to look elsewhere for attacking recruits. Lacazette looks to be on the way out at the end of his contract and has been linked with a return to former club Lyon.
Eddie Nketiah is rumoured to be close to penning a new deal in North London but he would be the Gunners’ only senior striker heading into 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 Brazilian international - who has one year remaining on his deal - spoke about his future after City claimed the Premier League crown earlier this month. He said: "I have a contract with City and I have already expressed my desire to the City people and to my agent. I have in my head very clear what I want.
"Today, I want to celebrate a lot with City. It’s obvious that I’m very happy here. Tomorrow, if everything goes well for me, my wife and our family, Helena [his daughter] will come to the world.
“So, I have to take advantage of this moment. Then, think about the team, smile at the team again. And, on vacation, I decide about my future."
