ATLETICO MADRID have signed Netherlands forward Memphis Depay from La Liga rivals Barcelona for €3 million, the two clubs announced on Friday.

The 28-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Atletico after an injury-hit spell at the Camp Nou.

The transfer could cost Atletico up to an extra one million euros in add-ons.

Barcelona said the deal included an option for them to buy versatile Belgian international Yannick Carrasco from Atletico.

Depay scored 14 goals in 42 matches for Barca after signing for the Catalan giants from Lyon in 2021.

But injury problems and the arrival of Poland striker Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich led to Depay only making four appearances for Xavi Hernandez’s men this season.

Depay is the Netherlands’ second-highest scorer of all time with 43 goals and netted once at the 2022 World Cup.

He enjoyed a fruitful five-year spell at Lyon after a disappointing stint with Manchester United.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico have struggled this term and are fourth in La Liga, 13 points behind leaders Barca, having also been knocked out of the Champions League.

Depay will be expected to replace Joao Felix who left Madrid earlier this month to join Chelsea on loan.

Elsewhere, Premier League leaders Arsenal signed Belgium forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton on Friday in a deal worth a reported £27 million (€30.8 million).

Trossard agreed a “long-term” contract as Arsenal bolstered their attacking options in their bid to win the title for the first time since 2004.

The 28-year-old could make his debut for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are five points clear at the top, in Sunday’s crucial clash against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.

“It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro. He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level,” Arteta told Arsenal’s website.

“Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”

Arsenal sporting Director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Leandro Trossard. We have a clear plan and strategy for our direction, and it’s been a great team effort in bringing Leandro to the club.

“Leandro is a player who will give us a high level of quality going forward. I know Mikel and our coaches are excited to start working with him.”

Arsenal were pipped to the signature of Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk by London rivals Chelsea last weekend.

Trossard, who played for Belgium at the recent World Cup, scored seven times in 16 Premier League matches for Brighton this season, including a hat-trick at Liverpool in October.

The winger’s four-year spell at Brighton ended acrimoniously after his agent requested a transfer following a row with Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi said former Genk player Trossard “disappeared” from training after being told he would not be playing in Brighton’s FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough earlier in January.

Trossard was subsequently left out of the squad for Brighton’s Premier League match against Liverpool last weekend, which they won 3-0.

De Zerbi said: “I’m sorry for the last period, but I still would like to wish Leandro good luck for the future.”

– © AFP 2023