Dutch forward Memphis Depay might be joining Atletico Madrid anytime from now in the January transfer window after agreeing to a move away from Camp Nou.
Atletico Madrid are keen on signing the former Manchester United player after letting Portuguese for Joao Felix move to Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season.
Atletico Madrid’s Belgium forward Yannick Carrasco is also interested in moving to the other side in a proposed swap deal, but Barcelona wants Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic.
This was revealed by Depay’s agent on Tuesday, although he did state that concrete has been agreed on.
“The plan is to exchange Yannick for Depay. It’s not concrete yet, I don’t know if it can work, but negotiations are ongoing. Yannick likes this idea, and he’s a good player.” He said.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also looking at Croatian forward Marcelo Brozovic as the replacement for Depay. Reports indicate that Barcelona manager Xavi has given the green light to have a swap deal with Inter Milan.
Depay’s participation in Barcelona’s campaign this season has been limited to four appearances in all competitions this season due to injury problems and the presence of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who both joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich and Leeds United in the summer.
Although Raphinha has failed to impress the club’s hierarchy, as he is wanted out by the club, Lewandowski has been impressive, scoring goals and leading the club to the Supercopa De Espana title.
Premier League club Arsenal have been observing his situation at Barcelona and are hopeful of signing him very soon. However, the Brazilian has insisted that he is happy at the club and is not seeking to move out during the January transfer window.
Barcelona will face Cueta in the Copa Del Rey on Thursday, days after beating Real Madrid in the El clasico to the supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu