Milan are ready to go head-to-head with Barcelona for the signature of outgoing Lyon star Memphis Depay. As reported by Corriere della Sera (via MilanLive), the Rossoneri have reignited their interest in the Dutch forward.
Depay will be out of contract in the summer after refusing to commit his long-term future to the Groupama Stadium. After a disastrous 18-month stint at Manchester United, the 27-year-old joined Lyon in 2017 and has since excelled in Ligue 1.
The Netherlands international has racked up 72 goals and 52 assists in 172 appearances for Les Gones, establishing himself as one of the most prolific forwards in Europe’s top-five leagues. Only this season, Depay has notched up 18 goals and provided nine assists and is by far the most productive Lyon player.
However, the former PSV Eindhoven star is keen to land a new challenge at the end of the season, with Barcelona at the top of the queue to capture his services. The Catalans were interested in signing Depay last summer, but Lyon supremo Jean-Michel Aulas refused to sell his headline performer.
Ronald Koeman will launch a new bid to snap up his countryman, but he will have to beat Milan this time around. Paolo Maldini is scouring the market for potential value and has spotted Depay as a perfect opportunity to reinforce Stefano Pioli’s squad.
The Rossoneri were on the Dutchman’s trail in the past, but a lack of Champions League football was a sticking point. The Serie A giants are now on the cusp of overcoming that stumbling block as they look destined to seal a top-four finish this season.
With the Champions League lustre back on the table, Milan are hopeful that they can beat Barcelona to Depay’s signature. Although the player’s €4.3million-a-year wages could pose a problem, the Italians look to lure the winger to the San Siro by offering him a prominent role in their growing project.