Arsenal identify Gabriel Jesus replacement on cut-price deal but face Manchester United competition

The Gunners are set to go head-to-head with Manchester United for his services

Updated: July 05, 2023 at 8:15 am GMT+1

Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Memphis Depay as they look to find a replacement for Gabriel Jesus with the Brazilian set to be sidelined for three months with a knee injury.

The Arsenal striker, who has starred for the Gunners since joining them from Manchester City in the summer, felt pain in his knee and was taken off as a precaution on the hour mark during his side’s final group game against Cameroon, where the Selecao ultimately slipped to a 1-0 defeat. He has since undergone surgery and is expected to be sidelined for between two and three months as he recovers, leaving Arsenal short at striker.

As it stands, Eddie Nketiah will lead the line, while both Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe can also fulfil the role. Asked about how it will effect his January transfer plans, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hinted that the current Premier League leaders could dip into the market to strengthen their options at the top of the pitch.

“I feel like my squad is really good”, he began. “Unfortunately, we’ve had injuries and we will try to see what we can do to be strong. We have players, we have a lot of accompanying players.”

Depay the missing man?

And, as per Spanish sources, the Gunners have joined the race for Blaugrana striker Memphis Depay, with the 28-year-old striker out of contract this summer. Depay has fallen out of favour at Camp Nou, with a mixture of injury and the arrival of Robert Lewandowski restricting him to just 116 La Liga minutes this campaign.

According to Sport, the Catalan giants will look to cash in on the Dutchman this January as they count the cost of yet another season of Europa League football under Xavi, though they will only sanction a permanent deal.

Warsaw, Poland. 22nd Sep, 2022. Memphis Depay of Netherlands seen in action during the UEFA Nations League, League A Group 4 match between Poland and Netherlands at PGE National Stadium. Final score; Poland 0:2 Netherlands. Credit: SOPA Images Limited/Ala 2K31HN6 Warsaw, Poland. 22nd Sep, 2022. Memphis Depay of Netherlands seen in action during the UEFA Nations League, League A Group 4 match between Poland and Netherlands at PGE National Stadium. Final score; Poland 0:2 Netherlands. Credit: SOPA Images Limited/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)

Manchester United and Roma are also thought to be in the mix for his signature, though the Italian side may be priced out of a move. Erik ten Hag’s side, however, are in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and with Depay having already had one stint at Old Trafford along with their financial muscle, Arsenal may have a fight on their hands to land him.