Chelsea are reportedly considering making an offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is a target for Manchester United.
According to Spanish journalist Toni Juanmarti, Chelsea could be preparing a formal offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as they plot to beat Manchester United to his signing.
Frenkie de Jong’s name has been a fixture in the headlines this summer as he continues to be linked with a move away from Barcelona. Manchester United have been touted as his most ardent suitors as new manager Erik ten Hag is keen on a reunion with his former AFC Ajax ward.
To that end, Barcelona and Manchester United have also reached an agreement over a deal worth €85 million, including add-ons for the transfer of de Jong. However, the 25-year-old has no intentions of leaving Barcelona for the Red Devils as he sees it as a step down due to the lack of Champions League football at Old Trafford.
Amidst this ongoing saga, Chelsea have also presented themselves as an option for de Jong. The Blues are well-stocked in the midfield department but could need reinforcements as Ross Barkley, Billy Gilmour and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are headed for the exit doors, while Saul Niguez has not been signed permanently.
It would leave Thomas Tuchel with N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic as frontline options in the centre of the park, while Conor Gallagher would also be a choice, having returned from his loan spell. However, both Kante and Jorginho are in the final year of their respective contracts, and the Frenchman has struggled with injuries in recent times.
So, a new top-quality midfielder would be a welcome addition at Stamford Bridge. And de Jong has emerged as a possible target for Chelsea. Recent reports had indicated that the Blues were offered a chance to sign the Netherlands international by his agent. It is now being suggested that the London club are considering making a bid for the midfielder.
Manchester United continue to push and prod for his signing, but de Jong has no desire to join the Red Devils. And with Chelsea now presenting themselves as an option, it will be interesting to see if the Dutchman will consider leaving Barcelona for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
