Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Atletico Madrid have ‘asked’ Barcelona if they can sign Arsenal-linked ace Memphis Depay as a potential replacement for Chelsea-bound Joao Felix in January.
SPORT had claimed back in late November that Mikel Arteta was keen on a transfer for Depay, after Gabriel Jesus suffered a length injury.
However, the Spanish outlet had recently mentioned that the £2 million-rated man was interested in reuniting with Manchester United, instead of joining Arsenal or any other English side.
But it now seems that after missing out on Joao Felix to Chelsea, his potential successor in Memphis Depay could also slip out of the Gunners’ hands by heading to Atletico Madrid.
Currently, Mikel Arteta’s side only have one available striker at their disposal in the in-form Eddie Nketiah.
While Nketiah has scored 4 goals in his last 4 starts, a potential injury could well and truly derail the fairytale season Arsenal are currently enjoying.
As a result, Depay, who is capable of operating anywhere across the frontline would have made for a smart addition for Arteta and Co.
However, it seems the Premier League leaders may have missed the boat on signing the £176,000-a-week star.
Arsenal-linked Memphis Depay could now leave Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in January
Fabrizio Romano first reported that Atletico Madrid had enquired Barcelona about signing Arsenal-linked marksman Memphis Depay as a replacement for Joao Felix, who is closing in on a loan switch to Chelsea.
Further details also claimed that the negotiations between the two Spanish heavyweights was set to take place this week after direct contacts had been initiated.
Romano has also stated that Atletico Madrid are ‘confident’ that they can seal the deal to sign Arsenal-linked Depay, despite him not being their only shortlisted replacement for Felix.
Ultimately, this revelation is not a big blow for Mikel Arteta’s side if Eddie Nketiah manages to stay fit and firing.
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