Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has left the door open to joining Chelsea this summer, according to reports in Spain, in news which comes as a crushing blow for Manchester United.
De Jong, 25, has been pursued by United throughout the transfer window and a deal was agreed with Barca to bring him to Old Trafford. However, the Netherlands international has repeatedly made it clear he does not want to join the Red Devils.
He regards Barcelona as his dream club and is loath to depart Camp Nou, especially as he still has four years remaining on his contract in Catalonia. Nonetheless, Chelsea are the latest team to try and lure De Jong to the Premier League and are ready to submit an offer to beat United to the signing.
Alarmingly for Red Devils chiefs, the player does not share the same opposition to joining Chelsea as he does towards United. Catalan outlet Sport claims De Jong would consider joining the Blues, who are on the lookout for midfield recruits this summer.
Thomas Tuchel's side have signed winger Raheem Sterling and centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, while a deal to bring in Jules Kounde from Sevilla is close and would further bolster the defence. Notably, however, Chelsea are lacking a midfield recruit, which is concerning given N'Golo Kante and Jorginho have less than 12 months remaining on their contracts.
Therefore, the fact De Jong is open to moving to West London is a positive update, but the report notes he would still rather stay put with the Blaugrana. Chelsea have a number of aces up their sleeve which have given them the advantage over United in the transfer race for the former Ajax prospect.
Where will Frenkie de Jong end up? Have your say in the comments!
Firstly, and most importantly, they can offer De Jong the chance to play Champions League football next season, whereas United will be competing in the Europa League. Secondly, a move to Stamford Bridge would allow the player - who has no interest in living in Manchester - to live in the capital.
Furthermore, De Jong is aware of the project Tuchel is undertaking, which once again has a clear identity and the required financial backing after Todd Boehly's consortium completed their takeover of the club. This leaves the ball in Chelsea's court as they weigh up formalising their interest via an official bid.
De Jong is in the United States on pre-season tour with Barcelona and came off the bench in Wednesday's 6-0 annihilation of Inter Miami. Barca are heavily linked with Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, which could also strengthen the Blues' hopes of signing their midfield target.
