Memphis Depay’s transfer verdict amid Tottenham and Chelsea links plus Fabrizio Romano claim

Tottenham continue to be linked with a move for Barcelona forward Memphis Depay this summer.

The Dutchman is widely expected to leave Camp Nou in the coming weeks, with the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha having seemingly shunted him down the pecking order in Catalonia.

Indeed, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that the 28-year-old is pushing for an exit amid concerns over a lack of game time this season.

An excerpt from their update states: “Memphis assumes that he will not have minutes at Barca and is moving to find a new team before LaLiga starts.”

Mundo Deportivo name Juventus as potential suitors for the attacker, putting the Turin in the frame alongside Spurs, who have consistently been linked with Depay throughout the summer transfer window.

But what has the Dutchman said about his own future, and his prospects of moving to England?

Here’s everything you need to know...

What has Depay said about returning to the Premier League?

The recent flurry of speculation surrounding Depay is not the first time that he has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

The Dutchman was touted for a potential switch back in 2019 while he was still on the books at Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.

Speaking at the time, the former Manchester United forward hinted that he would be open to the prospect of a return to the Premier League at some point in his career.

He said: “It’s a very nice competition. It’s up to the club that is interested. I belong in a team that plays good football and can play around me so that I can do my thing. I will never rule it out.”

Interestingly, however, Spanish outlet Sport recently claimed that the player was not interested in a move to Tottenham, and had responded ‘coldly’ to Spurs’ initial enquiries.

What else has been said about Depay’s future?

As well as Depay’s assertion that he would always be open to the prospect of a Premier League return, Tottenham can take further encouragement from Fabrizio Romano’s latest update on the player’s future.

According to the Italian transfer guru, the 28-year-old and his representatives are in talks with Barcelona over an agreement that would see his current contract in Catalonia terminated.

Writing on Twitter, Romano said: “Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m (£16.8m) fee.

“Depay will accept to leave Barca only in case he’ll find the right option for his future. Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs.”

Elsewhere, Chelsea have also been linked with a potential move for Depay as part of a shock triple deal with Barcelona.

According to an update from TEAMtalk, the Dutchman is one of three players, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Frenkie de Jong, who have been offered to the Blues.

Thomas Tuchel’s men are said to be in talks over a possible agreement involving De Jong, but have also been approached with the prospect of signing two more Barca talents too.

Whether Chelsea would be keen to pursue a deal for Depay could depend on Hakim Ziyech’s future in West London amid mounting exit speculation.