Chelsea 'explored' signing £230k-a-week star on deadline day at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea held a ‘genuine’ interest in Memphis Depay and ‘explored’ the possibility of tempting the Barcelona star to Stamford Bridge on deadline day, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Blues sealed the acquisitions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria in the final moments of the summer window, but they failed to welcome Depay to west London.

There has been uncertainty over Depay’s long-term future as he has entered the final 12 months of his £230,000-per-week Barcelona contract.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed the La Liga giants had agreed to terminate the striker’s deal as long as he was able to find another club.

It appeared that a move to the Premier League could be on the cards as respected Spanish journalist Gerard Romero revealed Chelsea emerged as a possible destination for Depay just hours before last Thursday’s deadline.

Journalist Simon Phillips also told GIVEMESPORT that the 28-year-old had been on Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel’s radar throughout the summer.

However, Depay ended speculation over his future less than an hour before the transfer window slammed shut as he confirmed he had opted to remain with Barcelona.

Jones understands that Chelsea were keen on luring Depay to Stamford Bridge and inroads were made behind the scenes.

Although the Blues were frustrated by his decision to stay at the Nou Camp, the journalist is aware that their interest was real.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Memphis was one they explored for a lot of the day and they had to wait on his decision.

“Obviously, that came quite late in the day, but that was an ongoing saga which was genuine.”

Some Chelsea supporters may feel they have dodged a bullet by failing to sign Depay as he only scored seven goals in 53