Just in: Juventus decide to sign Polish striker instead of Memphis Depay

Barcelona have been dealt a major setback in their efforts to offload Memphis Depay, as Juventus have decided to end their interest in the Dutchman. Instead, they will pursue the signing of Marseille striker Arkadiusz Milik, reports Gianluca Di Marzio.

Depay has been deemed surplus to requirements at Barça following the summer arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. With the club needing to make cuts to their wage bill, the 28-year-old’s departure was seen as important, as it would help them take a step towards registering Jules Kounde.

A move to Juventus had been in the works for quite a while now, with Memphis’ lawyers initiating discussions earlier this month. At the same time, they also were in talks with Barcelona over terminating the Netherlands international’s contract.

While Depay’s lawyers were able to reach an agreement with the Blaugrana over the contract termination, things have not progressed well with Juventus.

Having earlier agreed a €5 million per year salary, the ex-Manchester United forward reportedly upped his demands to €7 million per year, which froze discussions as the Bianconeri stopped to assess the feasibility of the move.

Juventus’ management were scheduled to have a key meeting earlier today during which they were set to decide on whether to sign Depay or move to alternate targets.

And, as per Di Marzio, they have made a decision to not go ahead with their interest in the Barcelona striker. Instead, the Turin giants will now sign Milik from Marseille.

In fact, the report states that there is an agreement already in place between the two clubs for the signing of the Polish striker. He will join Juventus in a loan deal with a €2 million fee, while the Italians retain a purchase option for €8 million.

This development will come as a major blow for the Blaugrana, who were hoping to offload Depay at the earliest possible to register Kounde. They will now have to find a new taker for the 28-year-old while focus on selling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea.