Ken RussoPreviously, Frenkie de Jong has stated his love for FC Barcelona and his decision to remain at the club but now fresh reports are stating that the midfielder is open to leaving.
This news has obviously spiked interest from Manchester United but it seems like London sides Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in him.
Erik ten Hag has tried and failed multiple times to bring Frenkie de Jong to Man United because so far the Dutch international has rejected every proposal. However, Barcelona are said to be willing to get rid of FDJ as it will help reduce their wage bills.
Reports are claiming that three months ago, Barca had offered him a new deal which runs until 2029 but Frenkie de Jong is not happy with the offer because he will have to take another pay cut under the terms of the new contract.
Barca feel this is the ideal time to get rid of the 26-year-old and immediately three Premier League clubs are being linked with him.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey(via HITC), Arsenal are likely to challenge Manchester United as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey. Back in 2019, FDJ had claimed that he had dreams of playing for Arsenal so a move to the Emirates Stadium could still entice him.
He had famously said(h/t Sky Sports): ‘In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route.’
Chelsea brought in big-money signings like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia but it seems like Todd Boehly is still planning to add midfielders to his squad. And as per Spanish publication SPORT, the Blues are willing to pay up to £85 million for the midfielder.
Frenkie de Jong has played more than 200 games for Barcelona and he is currently valued at £68 million so Catalans will be more than happy to rake up around £85-90 million for him.
Chelsea and Arsenal’s entry will definitely be a big headache for Erik ten Hag because the Sofyan Amrabat’s signing has been a failure so the manager still has to bring in an heir for Casemiro. Casemiro’s form has been on a steady decline while Mason Mount is better in an advanced role so Frenkie de Jong can still slot into the middle of the pitch alongside young Kobbie Mainoo.
De Jong has been target number one for Erik ten Hag since he took charge at Old Trafford and if the midfielder is really up for sale, he will definitely ask his board to move ahead of bring him on board.
Obviously, these are just early days and Frenkie de Jong can still sign a new contract but Barcelona need to balance their books so they are sure to get rid of some big names in the summer.
