Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong contingency plan is proving rather 'difficult' to pull off at this late stage of the summer transfer window as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Chelsea transfer is 'progressing' well.
These are the two big stories this morning that have direct implications for Todd Boehly and Chelsea. It's been known for some time now that the Blues are wanting the Dutchman in a big-money signing to offer a different dynamic to their midfield. They had leapfrogged Man United in the race for the 25-year-old but the player's willingness to stay put for 2022/23 due to the current contractual dispute at the Camp Nou is putting a hold-up on any deal being agreed with not only the club, but the player too who is currently refusing to discuss personal terms with any clubs.
This has already led to Man United diverting attention elsewhere to the likes of Casemiro and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic whilst Chelsea are keen to hang in there a little longer. As well as Manchester United withdrawing themselves slowly from this race, the Blues need Barcelona to get their contingency plan in place and the latest news from Spain doesn't make good reading in relation to their pursuit of Manchester City's Bernardo Silva.
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Spanish Journalist Ferran Martinez has reported that as it stands, it is very 'difficult' for the Blaugrana to get anywhere near the price tag the Citizens have set for their midfielder. Currently, if nothing major changes, the Portuguese will be staying put in East Manchester for one more year whilst De Jong's Barcelona stay possibility increases.
One deal that is less in the 'mission impossible' category is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's move. football.london understands that the club are now 'very confident' in their £22m bid pending personal terms talks today.
Spanish outlet Relevo have indicated that all parties want this deal to be done very soon. Once the 33-year-old is signed, it is understood that all focus will be solely on Wesley Fofana, De Jong and Anthony Gordon.
One Barca star looks likely but the other seems the opposite at this stage.
Chelsea fans - Is £22m for Aubameyang too much and what would you do in this Frenkie de Jong situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!
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