Barcelona and Chelsea were two clubs that did a lot of business both together and in competition with each other but the next few transfer windows between the pair could see even more drama.
Whether it was Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, Raphinha, Jules Kounde or Ousmane Dembele, the Catalan giants usually got their way over the Blues, with the exception of Azpilicueta who was convinced to stay at Stamford Bridge for at least the 2022/23 campaign.
Nonetheless, Barcelona got what they wanted on the whole, whilst the west Londoners under interim sporting director Todd Boehly had to re-jig plans after certain targets were taken or eventually kept by Barca.
Although one incidence where both Chelsea and Barcelona lost out on in the end was Frenkie de Jong. Barca wanted to get rid of his wages from the bill to ensure they complied with strict La Liga regulations but after months of speculation, the Dutchman got what he wanted as he stayed put.
This meant that both Manchester United and Chelsea missed out on a key midfield target. Whilst the Red Devils ended up with no new midfielder before the deadline, their Premier League counterparts did sign Denis Zakaria on loan to compensate for missing out on the £70m signing.
READ MORE: Marina Granovskaia £30m Chelsea transfer gamble leaves Todd Boehly facing N'Golo Kante problem
But with N'Golo Kanté and Jorginho set to see their contracts run out in the upcoming summer, new midfield recruits will be needed and that's where De Jong comes back into the question.
Whether or not Chelsea make another play for Barca's number 21 remains to be seen. Maybe a move for Declan Rice could come to fruition, especially if West Ham were to get relegated after enduring a terrible start to 2022/23 under David Moyes.
Regardless of the outcome, one Chelsea star has indirectly tried his best to sweeten the relationship ahead of potential fresh De Jong talks in the upcoming few months between the pair. According to Spanish Journalist Luis Rojo, 'Jorginho offered himself to Barcelona a few days ago, but the club is not considering his signing.'
Whether or not Barcelona make a U-turn on Jorginho remains to be seen but those negotiations could end up being key to eventually seeing 25-year-old De Jong end up in the Blues jersey if things were to transpire in a certain way.
Chelsea fans- Who would you prefer out of Declan Rice or Frenkie de Jong for next summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
The £15m Didier Drogba inspired answer to Chelsea goal issue as Graham Potter faces key choice
Chelsea 'prepare' huge player plus cash Harry Kane bid amid Graham Potter's Aubameyang verdict
Chelsea's next five Premier League fixtures compared to rivals Arsenal, Tottenham and Man City
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shows true Arsenal feelings in revealing video of Chelsea star
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
