Chelsea have had a rollercoaster of a summer transfer window so far.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have allowed club-record signing Romelu Lukaku to rejoin Inter Milan on loan, whilst centre-backs Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have joined Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. The Blues have spent in excess of £80 million on two first-team additions in the form of veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly and English star Raheem Sterling, with additional incomings expected before the window slams shut on September 1st.
While the defence and forward lines are areas for immediate reinforcements, an eye could be cast on the midfield ranks. Of those linked, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is among them, with the financial scenario surrounding the club opening the possibility of a move away.
With that said, football.london brings you all the latest on de Jong’s potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona stance
Barcelona boss Xavi has admitted he doesn’t know whether De Jong will be at the club by the end of the transfer window. Speaking to reporters, he said: “I don’t know if he’s going to stay here… I’ve never sent Frenkie a message. There’s still time and a lot of things can still happen.”
Barca president Joan Laporta also had his say on a deal and said: “We want Frenkie to stay at Barca, we love the player. We love him as a human being. I like the guy very much. He’s a high-quality player and he has a lot of offers, very important offers.
“We’re just doing the same that we are doing with the rest of the players. The new ones that are coming have adjusted their salary to the new structure and in the case of Frenkie, he has a contract and we don’t force anybody [to take a pay-cut] because we respect the contract and it’s the decision of the player.
“But we try to do our work. We want to put our football payroll at a consistent level because we want to manage the club prudently and in a sustainable way.”
Chelsea and Tuchel’s stance
Tuchel would like to add a midfielder to his squad before the window slams shut. De Jong appeared to be one of his top targets to fill that role, having previously attempted to sign him while in charge at Paris Saint-Germain.
But the Blues are yet to submit a formal bid for the 25-year-old, with Barca demanding around £67million for his signature. Now, according to Sport, via the Mirror, those high demands could end up scuppering a deal.
De Jong interest
Chelsea are monitoring a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to the Guardian. Thomas Tuchel is said to admire the 25-year-old, but priorities in strengthening the squad currently lie elsewhere.
Fee agreed
Chelsea aren’t alone in their interest as Manchester United are also said to be in the race to sign the midfielder. Sky Sports reports that a fee has been agreed at roughly £56million, with a number of performance-related add-ons.
Contract problem
The Independent reports that any deal for the Netherlands international is being held up by £17million of deferred wages that the Catalonian club owes de Jong.
Player preference
It may also come down to the player’s choice if the Blues submit a bid. The Guardian reports that de Jong is open to a move to Old Trafford, where he would reunite with former manager Erik ten Hag.
However, the 25-year-old has a desire to play Champions League football, too, something that is only available with Chelsea this season.
