Paratici could land "unreal" £158k-p/w Spurs target on a free, it would be a real coup - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Memphis Depay.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that the 28-year-old is in ongoing talks with Barcelona regarding a departure from the Camp Nou on a free transfer this summer – with the Netherlands international only said to be interested in a switch to a top club.

This is sure to come as a huge boost to both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte, as Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move to bring the former Olympique Lyon, Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven striker to north London in the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Only one player between Memphis Depay and Pierre Aubameyang will leave Barcelona this summer. Depay is negotiating free agency with FCB as revealed last week, Memphis will only accept in case of top clubs bid – Juventus among those interested.”

Considering just how impressive Depay was for Barcelona last season, in addition to the fact that, only a matter of weeks ago, the Spanish side were reportedly demanding a €20m (£17m) fee for the Dutchman, should Paratici manage to get the signing of the 28-year-old on a free transfer over the line this summer, it would undoubtedly be a real coup for Tottenham.

Indeed, over his 28 LaLiga appearances in 2021/22, the £34m-rated talent was in sensational form for the Catalan side, bagging 12 goals, providing two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.2 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £158k-per-week attacker who Liam Canning dubbed “unreal” average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.26,