Chelsea are making massive splashes in the transfer market and this time, they could snatch Frenkie de Jong from right under Manchester United’s noses.
Man United have been interested in signing De Jong since day one of the transfer window but they are still struggling to get a deal done. Now, in a major plot twist, Chelsea seem to have leapfrogged over their Premier League rivals and according to CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs, the Blues are the favourites to land the midfielders.
He wrote on Twitter: “Barcelona want around €80m for Frenkie de Jong having previously agreed a slightly higher €85m deal with MUFC.
“CFC are now in direct talks. De Jong has been consistent that he wants to stay but refused to take a pay cut. He is more open to Stamford Bridge than Old Trafford.
“As previously reported, Barcelona will need to explicitly tell de Jong he’s not wanted and must leave, and Chelsea have asked for guarantees if they move the saga won’t drag on. Unlike MUFC they will get player buy in early if things progress.”
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has also claimed the same thing meaning Manchester United’s number one target could be players for one of their closest rivals next season.
Chelsea are in talks with Barça for Frenkie de Jong and are 'optimistic' about agreeing a transfer, reports @David_Ornstein pic.twitter.com/9z6jxdN6XE
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 3, 2022
Will Frenkie de Jong choose Chelsea over Man United?
Frenkie de Jong has not been interested in leaving Barcelona for two major reasons. Firstly, Barca are refusing to pay him his deferred wages and secondly, the midfielder is not too keen to join Man United right now.
In such a scenario, Chelsea can help solve both these problems and since they will be playing in the Champions League next season, De Jong could realistically agree on a move(if Barca pay up).
A player like him will effectively want to play for a stable team who are in the Champions League rather than risk his career and join a team who are going through a major rebuilding phase right now.
Joining Man United is a major risk right now so if Chelsea and Barcelona can resolve the deferred wages issue then Frenkie de Jong will not hesitate to head to Stamford Bridge.
