Chelsea supporters on social media have been crying out for a new midfielder all summer. There's not many players more popular than Frenkie de Jong.
The 25-year-old, who has looked as if he was Manchester United-bound since the window opened, and has been liked by Chelsea since he was playing at Ajax, football.london understands. Now, it's understood the Blues have started talks with Barcelona over the signing of De Jong.
There's quiet confidence from Chelsea that they can strike a deal with Barcelona, but the player's stance over a move is not yet known. Thomas Tuchel thinks De Jong can bring some much-needed creativity to his side's midfield.
READ MORE: Frenkie de Jong talks, Wesley Fofana stance, Marc Cucurella bid - Chelsea transfer state of play
If De Jong does indeed sign, although there is plenty yet to do, then it could have a big impact on numerous Chelsea players. Of course, the central midfield options are the obvious ones – particularly those who are on the fringes of the first team.
Conor Gallagher, who has returned to Chelsea for the upcoming season after impressing last term on loan at Crystal Palace, is not guaranteed a place in the first-team as it is, and more so if De Jong is brought in. Gallagher gives Chelsea something different to what they had last season. He can offer a bit more of a goal threat than the likes of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic – the three who started most under Tuchel last season.
Meanwhile, Ethan Ampadu, with the more signings Chelsea continue to bring in, looks more and more likely to struggle to cement a place in the first XI. Ampadu played as both a centre-back and in the midfield during pre-season, but it's yet to be decided by the club whether he will be loaned out once again.
Jorginho could also be impacted by De Jong if he signs. The Italian midfielder was frequently used last season, but with less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, he could be used less with De Jong, Kante and Kovacic all to choose from.
Ross Barkley is expected to leave, but at the moment, there is nothing advanced regarding the midfielder's departure. Links to Everton have no substance, football.london understands. He will fall even further down the pecking order should De Jong come in.
It's an interesting one for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, too, with plenty of interest in the Chelsea midfielder. However, the Cobham graduate is very content with his position at Stamford Bridge and has no immediate plans to leave.
It's looking more and more likely that Billy Gilmour will spend another season out on loan. The Scotland international spent last term on loan at Norwich City, but it didn't go to plan at Carrow Road. He returned to Chelsea over the summer and was training with the senior squad in the United States. Gilmour was then sent to play with the development squad, though, leaving question marks over his future in the first team.
De Jong coming in could spell even more bad news for Gilmour on a personal level. Likewise, with the other midfielders listed above. But there's no doubt that the introduction of the Netherlands international will immediately strengthen Chelsea in the centre of the pitch.
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