Reports – Player who rejected Tottenham was pushing for Chelsea move on deadline day
Memphis Depay, a target for Tottenham Hotspur, reportedly pushed for a transfer to Chelsea on Deadline Day, according to writer Rudy Galetti (September 1). The Barcelona player was not a target for the Blues this summer, though.
This summer, Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both left Stamford Bridge for RB Leipzig and Inter Milan, respectively. Thus, Thomas Tuchel’s team was searching for a striker during the current transfer window.
Chelsea did contact with Depay’s agents, but they were not willing to match his €8 million annual salary demands.
With Marcos Alonso moving the opposite way as part of the transaction, the Blues ultimately decided to buy another Barcelona striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for £10 million.
As per SPORT, Tottenham were interested in signing Depay earlier in the window. While they didn’t make an official proposal, they spoke to the Dutchman’s representatives and Barcelona.
However, the striker rejected a move in favor of waiting for other opportunities.
The former Manchester United man eventually announced that he will be staying at Barcelona for at least another season.
Depay joined the Spanish side from Olympique Lyon last summer and made 38 appearances across all competitions, contributing 13 goals and two assists.
However, he is yet to make an appearance in three matches this season, with Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati being preferred by manager Xavi.
With the FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place later this year, Depay will hope to get more playing time for his club in order to be in shape for the Netherlands.