Boehly keen on cheeky Chelsea swoop for Man Utd target to hinder Ten Hag plans during summer
Chelsea have reportedly made Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong their ‘priority’ for the summer, as owner Todd Boehly is a ‘huge admirer’.
The saga of whether or not De Jong will join United is one that’s gone on for some time. Indeed, last summer, there was much talk over his potential move to Old Trafford.
It seemed from the moment Erik ten Hag stepped foot in the door he wanted to land the Barcelona star. That was made all the more evident through the various rounds of negotiations United went through with Barca.
Eventually, things ended up as they started: De Jong staying in Spain, as he apparently had no interest in joining United.
However, the Red Devils have remained keen on the Dutchman since then. What’s more, a recent report has claimed the midfielder has signalled that he is ‘finally ready’ to join the club.
Subsequently, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on those reports. Indeed, Romano has stated De Jong “has not changed his position”.
Indeed, that would suggest he would prefer to stay at Camp Nou with Barca.
Alongside those comments, Romano also stated “many other clubs” have thrown their hat in the ring, including Chelsea.
Boehly makes De Jong Chelsea ‘priority’
Indeed, last summer, alongside United, Chelsea had their eye on the midfielder. It seems that interest has ramped up, despite spending more than £500million in the past two transfer windows, including a British record fee for midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Football Insider reports the Blues have ‘made De Jong a priority signing’ for this summer.
That is because owner Boehly is a ‘huge admirer of the midfielder’. While De Jong might not have any interest in leaving Barcelona, there is a suggestion that he might have to leave.
Indeed, Football Insider reports he ‘may be forced towards the exit door’ due to Barcelona ‘struggling financially’.
As such, that could open up a race between United and Chelsea for the star. The Blues have previous for snatching a player from a direct rival – they took Mykhaylo Mudryk from under Arsenal’s noses in January.
As such, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Boehly was keen to do his all to get one over on United, too.
De Jong a fitting Blues addition
Looking at the current options at Chelsea’s disposal, it might seem De Jong isn’t needed. However, before long, the outlook of the midfield could change significantly.
Indeed, N’Golo Kante is out of contract in the summer and has not yet signed a new deal, though there is a suggestion he’s close to doing so. Mateo Kovacic has just another year on his deal, so could soon leave as well.
The future of Mason Mount is also up in the air. Indeed, the star apparently wants to be paid in line with his important role, especially after a wealth of talent has recently walked through the doors.
As yet, negotiations have failed to bear fruit, and it’s been reported if no agreement is reached before the summer, Chelsea will sell the Englishman.
With a number of potential high-profile outgoings, De Jong would bring stability and quality. What’s more, he’d make a top midfield pairing alongside Fernandez, and, given the oldest of the pair is 25, that could put them in a great position for years.
