Chelsea and Barcelona have been at war in the summer transfer window with the Blues now pursuing deals for Frenkie de Jong and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Catalan club have been a thorn in the side of Chelsea all summer after hijacking deals for Raphinha and Jules Kounde after the Blues had agreed fees for both players. Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta had been linked with a move to the Camp Nou but has ended speculation over his future after signing a new two-year deal to stay at Stamford Bridge, football.london understands.
football.london also understands that the Blues have opened direct talks with Barca in an effort to secure a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong with Thomas Tuchel keen to add more creativity to his squad. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been linked with a move to west London with Barcelona looking to off-load high earning star players as their financial problems continue.
