Agents of Memphis Depay now believe the Barcelona and Netherlands striker could have a chance to join Chelsea, despite interest from Everton, once Timo Werner leaves the Blues.
Memphis Depay sees Chelsea door opening despite interest from Everton
Intermediaries working on behalf of Memphis Depay sense there will be an opening to join Chelsea once the west London outfit finalise Timo Werner’s departure. That’s according to Sport, who report Barcelona are also desperate to sell the forward by the end of the week.
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Camp Nou chiefs are determined to move Depay on a year after his arrival in Catalunya to free space in their wage bill to register Xavi Hernandez’s new signings. But the forward has put hurdles in the La Liga giants’ path with his demands for a high salary blocking Juventus.
Juventus and Barcelona have been negotiating a potential season-long loan deal that has a €20m (£17m) obligation to buy included. The Bianconeri would also be willing to pay a fee this summer, yet Depay is pushing to instead go for free or at a very low cost this summer.
Depay will also only consider joining a top-level side if his future is not at the Camp Nou in the 2022/23 season. But a route to Turin is complicated as the Serie A powerhouse cannot afford his salary demands, on top of paying a transfer fee to secure a permanent deal now.
Agents working to find Depay a new club are in touch with several other potential suitors, and are waiting for offers. They believe Chelsea could emerge with interest in the coming days, too, as Werner is heading back to RB Leipzig with Sky Sports citing a £25.5m transfer.
Everton interest may fall short if Memphis Depay eyes replacing Timo Werner
Everton will be loath to see Chelsea show any interest in Depay replacing Werner, having explored the Barcelona forward themselves. Sport reported over the weekend that Frank Lampard would like to table an offer, having lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin through an injury.
The Toffees talisman sustained a knee injury in training ahead of the new Premier League season. His absence has left a glaring hole in Lampard’s depth chart, with Anthony Gordon forced to face Chelsea as a false-nine on Saturday with Solomon Rondon suspended.
Depay would help to strengthen the Goodison Park attack, and replace the versatility they lost through selling Richarlison. The 28-year-old offered 13 goals from 36 games across all competitions last season with Barcelona from central appearances, and from either wing.
But with Juventus interested and agents sensing Chelsea will be also keen after Werner is sold, Everton may miss out on a Barcelona forward Ronald Koeman said is a ‘jot to watch’.
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