Atletico Madrid Enters Race to Sign Struggling Barcelona Star to Replace Joao Felix

• Atletico Madrid has identified Barcelona forward Memphis Depay as the ideal target
• With Joao Felix likely to join Chelsea on loan, the Spanish club needs a replacement
• Depay’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he is set to become a free agent

Atletico Madrid are offering struggling Barcelona forward Memphis Depay a lifeline, by offering to take the winger on loan for the next six months.

Depay has had limited games under coach Xavi Hernandes, and the Dutch international is now being considered for a surprise move from the Catalan side to the Spanish capital.

According to Goal, after loaning Joao Felix to Chelsea, Atletico Madrid has identified Depay as a potential replacement and are set to open talks with Barcelona.

The Dutch forward, who has reportedly been looking to leave Camp Nou for some time, will see his contract with the Spanish giants expire in the summer.

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However, all parties could jump on the chance to seal a deal for Depay in the January transfer window.

Barcelona want transfer for Depay

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s bid to snap up Depay from Barcelona on loan this January is facing a minor setback, due to the Catalans’ latest demands, Football Espana reports.

La Blaugrana are keen to hold on to the Dutch winger until the end of his current deal until the summer, unless they receive a transfer fee in return.

This could complicate any potential loan deal for Madrid, who may be forced to cough up more to secure Depay until the end of the season at least.

Barcelona determined to sell Depay

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Depay’s time at Barcelona looks set to come to an end in January, as the Catalans prepare to offload the winger when the winter transfer window opens.

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The Dutch player, who joined the club in 2021 from Ligue 1 side Lyon under Ronald Koeman, has struggled to find his best form since Xavi took over at Camp Nou.

Barcelona are said to be working on a string of player sales with Depay on the list, as the La Liga giants look walk a financial tightrope.