Chelsea have been handed a major blow in their transfer dealings this summer with Memphis Depay electing to sign for Barcelona.
The Blues had been linked with a move for the Dutch international following the expiry of his contract with French outfit Lyon.
With Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly keen to strengthen his attacking options ahead of next season, Depay was thought to have been one of the options considered alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku.
He would certainly have been a cheaper arrival in West London considering that he would have been available on a free transfer.
Nonetheless, that is not a possibility now with Depay’s move to the Nou Camp having been confirmed on Saturday evening.
He has penned a two-year deal with the Catalan giants and follows fellow Chelsea target Sergio Aguero in moving to Barcelona.
Despite links with Thomas Tuchel’s Blues, it always looked slightly unlikely that Depay would arrive at Stamford Bridge.
He had previously admitted a desire to work with current Barca boss Ronald Koeman.
Speaking recently, the 27-year-old said: “As I've said before, the transfer will become clear on its own. It remains to be seen, I want to leave it at that.
"Everyone knows that I have been linked to them for a long time and that I want to play under Ronald Koeman, let's wait and see. Then the news will come by itself."
Depay previously had a spell in the Premier League with Manchester United, joining the Red Devils from PSV Eindhoven.
He scored just seven goals in 53 appearances over his two seasons at Old Trafford before being jettisoned for Lyon.
