Chelsea are now in talks with Barcelona over the signing of Frenkie de Jong this summer, football.london understands. Thomas Tuchel wants to add more creativity to his midfield, and De Jong has been identified as the man to bring that.
Manchester United – who agreed an €85million (£71m) fee with Barcelona earlier in the summer for De Jong – have been actively pursuing a deal to bring the Netherlands international to Old Trafford throughout the summer transfer window. On a couple of occasions, United have looked close, but De Jong has made it clear he wants to stay at Barcelona.
However, with Chelsea now coming in – who can offer both Champions League football and the lure of living in London – the 25-year-old could be tempted. Chelsea are now in direct talks with Barca and are quietly confident they can agree on a fee to bring the Dutchman to the Premier League.
