Barcelona and Juventus are reportedly in advanced talks to discuss a possible move for Memphis Depay, a target for Chelsea.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Juventus could be Memphis Depay’s next destination, with talks between Barcelona and the Serie A giants advancing this week. The Dutch forward is also a target for Chelsea over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
Memphis Depay has every right to believe he is one of the unluckiest men on Earth, as he finished the 2021/22 season as Barcelona’s top scorer and still finds himself being surplus to requirements at Camp Nou. Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang matched his tally of 13 goals for Barcelona in the 2021/22 season.
But Depay does not have a future at Barcelona following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich this summer. With Xavi Hernandez having two options for every frontline position, the Dutch forward will be a bit-part player for Barcelona in the 2022/23 season. That is why he is negotiating his departure from Camp Nou, with Juventus and Chelsea among his prospective suitors.
The interest from Juventus stems from the departure of Alvaro Morata, who has returned to Atletico Madrid after the end of his loan stint with the Italian club. The Serie A giants are thus scouring the market for a replacement, with Depay among the candidates emerging on their radar over a possible summer move.
Barcelona and Juventus have been in contact to discuss a move for the 28-year-old, with the talks reaching an advanced stage this week. But the Serie A giants face stiff competition from Chelsea in the race to sign the Dutch forward, with SPORT claiming they are keeping tabs on the situation of the Barcelona forward at Camp Nou.
The Blues are in the market for a striker after loaning Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan. And with Timo Werner facing an uncertain situation at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will need to bring in a top-notch forward, with Depay emerging as a viable target.
Also Read: Three potential Romelu Lukaku replacements for Chelsea
But with Juventus and Barcelona advancing their talks, Chelsea will need to ramp up the efforts to sign Depay. For now, what remains certain is that the Dutch international will likely depart from Camp Nou in the summer transfer window, with Barcelona deeming him surplus to requirements.