Chelsea have had a rollercoaster of a summer transfer window so far.
Thomas Tuchel's side have allowed club-record signing Romelu Lukaku to re-join 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 £100million on three first-team additions in the form of veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly, English star Raheem Sterling and Brighton defender Marc Cucurella.
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.
READ MORE: Chelsea lose £25m transfer windfall as Thomas Tuchel handed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dilemma
With that said, football.london brings you all the latest on De Jong's potential move to Stamford Bridge.
football.london understands that Chelsea want a decision from De Jong very soon regarding his future, amid links with a move away from Barcelona. The Blues are willing to walk away from a move, should there be an indication that he doesn't want to make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Talks with Barcelona are believed to be simple, with a willingness to pay the valuation set by the Blaugrana, however the choice of the player is pivotal in a move continuing.
Barca ultimatum
Barcelona have offered De Jong an ultimatum of taking a 50 percent pay cut or leaving the club, reports CBS journalist Ben Jacobs. He claims that the club expect a decision on the same day, with the decision expected to put a rest to the transfer saga one way or another.
Tuchel and Boehly 'love'
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that both Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly are "in love" with the signing of De Jong and are pushing to conclude a deal. He adds that both the club and player have been informed of their intentions to add the midfielder to their ranks.
Chelsea open 'direct talks'
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have opened direct talks with Barcelona and are optimistic about striking a deal for Frenkie de Jong.
football.london understands Chelsea have a long-term interest in de Jong, and now the club are actively pursuing a deal for the 25-year-old.
Manchester United have struggled to convince the Netherlands international to make the move to Old Trafford since agreeing a fee worth £71million with Barcelona, and now it's Chelsea's turn to try and negotiate a deal with player and club.
Gary Neville hint
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville recently dropped a major hint regarding the future of De Jong with Barcelona.
In a post on Twitter, Neville said: "I was in Miami when Barca were there playing two weeks ago, and I got told (third hand) De Jong preferred staying at Barca or Chelsea and London.
"It wasn't a concrete source, but this follows that thought."
Read more here.
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.
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.
READ NEXT:
Raheem Sterling realises Pep Guardiola Chelsea dream as Tuchel faces Frenkie de Jong question
Todd Boehly overdue £40m success breaks fundamental Chelsea transfer rule to set new trend
Timo Werner Chelsea fate exposes wider transfer mistake that Todd Boehly cannot repeat
Callum Hudson-Odoi Dortmund talks could finally end Chelsea's £150m transfer dead-end
