Ahead of Monday’s clash with Swansea City, and with the title now wrapped up at Stamford Bridge, Arsene Wenger has been looking forward to next season, and is looking to resolve some of the questions currently lingering over the squad. However, Memphis Depay will not be on his way to the Emirates.
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BBC Sport reported that the Dutch winger has all but agreed to reunite with his former national team boss Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. The 21-year-old has been in ruthless form for PSV Eindhoven this season, scoring 21 times in just 28 games, and helping the club win the Eredivisie title.
The Daily Mirror report that whilst Arsene Wenger is admirer of the player’s talents, he was not looking to sign him due to the number of options already available.
“I like the player but that’s a position where we have plenty,” he said.
The Dutchman has been at his best when he has been the talisman of whichever side he has played for. When he has represented the national side – especially during last year’s World Cup – he has given very little indication that is a player worthy of being one of Europe’s most sought after players, perhaps due to the number of exciting players with the Netherlands side.
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He needs to be linchpin of the side, and with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil forming a fantastic partnership in similar roles, it difficult to see how Depay would be able to justify the large fee that would have been required to sign him.
Meanwhile, another man would have been competing for a starting spot with the now Manchester United bound winger is Theo Walcott, as Wenger confirmed that the England international shall not be leaving the club in the summer, whether or not he agrees a new deal.
Injuries have unfortunately plagued the 26-year-old’s season, but he is starting to gradually return to first-team action. Nevertheless, with his contract due to expire at the end of the next campaign, there had been speculation over his future.
But according to the Mirror, Wenger wants to keep the former Southampton man at the club, and believes that there is a desire from both sides to extend his time at our club.
“We’re keen to do it, he’s keen to do it,” he added.
Walcott has proved in the past that when he can enjoy a prolonged run in the side, he can have a major impact upon games. He has the quality and pace to frighten defences. And whilst it may be worrying that injury issues may continue to persist, the emergence of other options in similar positions will allow for some of the pressure to be taken off Walcott’s shoulders, as there will be less reliance upon him to play every game.
Finally, it appears that Carl Jenkinson may yet have a future at the Emirates. The 23-year-old had established himself as a favourite at West Ham, having spent the entirety of the season at Upton Park, and therefore, could be forgiven for considering making his move permanent. However, the Mirror report that Wenger hopes to keep him with us, but may be willing to give him another year-long loan.
“The decision is now whether to bring him back now or give him one more year on loan,” he explained.
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