Tottenham will not be pursuing a key Barcelona attacker which may have Chelsea in their pursuit of landing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.
The Lilywhites are in the process of trying to seek out any more potential recruits to add to the six already landed this summer early on in the transfer window by football director Fabio Paratici. So far, Paratici has handed Antonio Conte Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Djed Spence, Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Clément Lenglet. However, they are expected to maybe add at least one of two new recruits as defensive and attack are being re-examined. Udinese left-back Destiny Udogie has agreed a deal to sign for Spurs but will be loaned back to the Serie A outfit for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.
Elsewhere, Nicolo Zaniolo continues to be linked but a move for James Maddison is off the cards after reports surfaced over the weekend suggesting the Coventry-born attacking midfielder will be signing a new extension at the King Power Stadium. Another name who was linked to a North London move was former Man United forward Memphis Depay. Following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Barcelona are in need of freeing some space on the wage bill and generating transfer funds where possible to comply to La Liga regulations.
READ MORE: Chelsea dealt transfer blow as Barcelona make unexpected Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decision
'But Tottenham will not be the ones to pursue Depay which will come as music to the ears to Chelsea supporters. Fabrizio Romano confirmed this with his tweet: 'Memphis Depay deal. Tottenham are not interested, been told there are no talks as things stand - Juventus are the favourites to sign Depay.
'Two-year deal now discussed with Memphis, Juve want him since July but the first step has to be contract termination with Barça.'
Chelsea will hope that Juventus fail in their talks for Depay but despite Barcelona's recent stance that only one of the 28-year-old or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be able to leave this summer, it is understood that they may have to consider losing both with La Liga still standing firm on not allowing the club to register the new recruits currently.
At least Tottenham have done their bit for their London counterparts to edge them closer to signing the former Arsenal talisman. Whilst waiting for the 'green light' on a player who fired in 79 goals under Tuchel whilst at Dortmund together, Todd Boehly has already been told that £17million will be needed in transfer fees to unlock this negotiation.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero thinks that a cheap deal can be done. He said, "if Chelsea for instance comes with 15 or 20 million euros, this economical situation in Barcelona, maybe they have to convince Xavi and the player that leaving is going to be the best option for them.
"So Lewandowski being the first striker will mean Aubameyang is not going to play. Xavi has told the club and the player himself that he wants him to stay. Aubameyang knows that Chelsea want to sign him. Even football club Barcelona do too. The only difference is that Robert Lewandowski is going to be the number 9 for Xavi, for sure, even Aubameyang realises."
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