Chelsea keen to beat off arch-rivals to 53-goal Ligue 1 star

Chelsea keen to beat Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to Memphis Depay

According to Spanish website Todofichajes (h/t Express), Chelsea are set to face off against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal for Lyon star Memphis Depay.

With the French giants missing out on European qualification for next season, the future of the former Manchester United star has been called into question.

The 26-year-old arrived at United with much fanfare in 2015. It proved to be a disaster, with him scoring just 7 goals and 6 assists in 53 appearances for the club. He was eventually moved on in the summer of 2017 to Lyon.

To his credit, the Dutchman has rebuilt his reputation in France. A regular for Lyon, he has scored 53 goals and 43 assists in 134 games.

At 26, he has a number of years left in him and should be a risk worth taking. Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas has already conceded that Depay could leave owing to the lack of European football next term

With his contract set to expire in 2021, Lyon could end up losing him on a free next summer. With clubs set to face a financial hit due to the coronavirus crisis, the French side will do well to earn top dollar for the Dutchman this summer.

The lack of European football means Lyon’s finances are set to suffer even further, giving us some leeway in trying to force a deal. With Arsenal and Tottenham looking likely to miss out on the Champions League, our hand could be further strengthened.

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In spite of having failed at United, Depay still remains a potent player. Mohamed Salah has shown that all players need sometimes is a second chance in the right system.

A versatile attacker who can play anywhere along the frontline, Depay could very well get the opportunity to do the same.