The Dutch forward continues to be the No.1 target of Ronald Koeman.
Barcelona have dealt a blow in their pursuit of Memphis Depay as Lyon President Aulas says that the forward is not for sale.
Depay emerged as the top target for the Catalans since Ronald Koeman took over the manager role. The 26-year-old was close to a transfer to the Nou Camp on the deadline day of the transfer window but due to Ousmane Dembele’s reluctance to leave – the French winger was key in the deal – caused the deal to fall out.
However, after Ansu Fati’s injury last week, Depay’s links have been intensified, with Koeman looking keen to reunite with his compatriot.
Amidst such speculations, Lyon president Jean Michael Aulas has said that Depay would stay for the remainder of the season.
Aulas said, ‘I was the first to say he would not go to Barcelona. Nobody listened to me during the transfer window because everybody thought he would leave.
From the start, I told you, he will not leave because in a year when we were unfairly deprived of European competition, we absolutely have to make a success of the season. So, he will stay.’
Following the failed transfer in the summer window, Koeman admitted that Depay is still his top target. In parallel, Les Gones forward also confirmed the interest from the Catalans.
It comes as a huge blow for the Blaugrana, who continue to show interest in the former Manchester United striker.
Nonetheless, Barca boast a handful of attacking talents like Pedri, Dembele and Francisco Trincao to step up in the absence of Ansu Fati, who has been ruled out for four months due to knee surgery.
