Barcelona ‘begin talks to sign Lyon captain Memphis Depay on a free transfer in the summer’

Barcelona have opened talks to sign Memphis Depay on a free transfer this summer but have yet to come to an agreement with the Lyon captain, according to reports in Spain.

The 27-year-old’s contract at the Ligue 1 side expires in June and he has been heavily linked with joining up with compatriot Ronald Koeman at the Camp Nou later this year.

The Netherlands star reportedly agreed personal terms with the Catalan giants right at the end of last year’s summer transfer window, but a move eventually fell through due to a lack of player sales at Barcelona.

Barcelona have reportedly opened talks to sign Memphis Depay (left) but Ronald Koeman (right) and the club are offering him just half of what they did in October

Catalan media report Depay’s representatives met with Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany two weeks ago

But now Catalan TV station Esport3 report the club are renegotiating a deal to sign Depay six months on, but add that he is being offered half or slightly more than half than what he was presented with in October.

The same outlet adds Depay has better financial offers from Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan, but that the player ultimately wants to play under Koeman for Barcelona.

The report mentions Depay’s representatives travelled to Barcelona two weeks ago to begin negotiations with new director of football Mateu Alemany, who was brought into the role following the election of president Joan Laporta in March.

Koeman remains keen to sign Depay as he looks to strengthen his attacking reinforcements ahead of next season, but Mundo Deportivo add not everyone in the club is convinced by the pursuit.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus are believed to be offering Depay more money

Some Barca chiefs are not convinced by Depay and would prefer a move for Erling Haaland

It is believed some chiefs prefer the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, but their chances have taken a blow after the 20-year-old’s agent Mino Raiola offered his services to many top sides around Europe.

Depay has scored 20 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for Champions League-chasing Lyon this season, and has provided nine assists for the side currently sat fourth in Ligue 1.  

Esport3 also add Barcelona have also offered Eric Garcia – another free agent in the summer – reduced terms compared to last year.

The Manchester City centre-back has been offered a new deal at the Etihad Stadium but their LaLiga counterparts believe the 20-year-old’s desire to move back to his home country puts them in a favourable position.

Barcelona have also reportedly offered Man City defender Eric Garcia reduced terms too