Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Frenkie de Jong: Chelsea on verge of big-money deal with Barcelona amid star’s transfer revelation

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona as talks between the two clubs are in an ‘advanced’ stage, while the star has also been speaking about his next move.

The transfer saga surrounding De Jong has been going on for pretty much the entire summer. Barcelona would ideally like to keep him, but they know that a sale would improve their poor financial situation.

Erik ten Hag hopes to work with De Jong at Old Trafford after they struck up a great relationship at Ajax. Chelsea officials also admire the central midfielder and want to take him to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United agreed a deal for De Jong in July. But he was reluctant to join them at that point. Instead, De Jong was hoping to stay in Catalonia and remain part of Xavi’s project.

Barca chiefs have since talked the Netherlands international into a transfer. Rather than going to United, though, he is set to link up with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.

According to The Sun, who cite Spanish newspaper Sport, Chelsea are on the verge of closing a deal with Barca.

The two teams are in ‘advanced’ negotiations over a transfer which will be worth £67.6m. Chelsea only began the discussions a few days ago but have quickly managed to strike an agreement.

The Blues now just need to sort out personal terms with De Jong. While this was a problem for United, it is unlikely to pose a threat this time around.

Frenkie de Jong makes transfer decision

That’s because football.london, who cite separate reports coming out of Spain, state De Jong has told his Barca team-mates he wants to join Chelsea.

This means he will be eager to agree a contract with Tuchel’s side. And once this has the green light, then a medical and contract signing can take place.

Chelsea have made several moves to future-proof their squad this window. They have brought in youngsters Gabriel Slonina, Carney Chukwuemeka and Omari Hutchinson.

But De Jong’s arrival will be completely different. He will go straight into Tuchel’s starting eleven due to him being essentially in his prime.

The playmaker is 25 and has already won trophies at Ajax and Barca during his career. He will be hoping to add to his trophy cabinet while at Chelsea.

United will obviously be disappointed one of their Premier League rivals is about to land De Jong. But they have moved on from him and are pursuing Adrien Rabiot instead.

As per Fabrizio Romano, they have agreed a deal with Juventus for the Frenchman worth £14.3m. They are now in talks with Rabiot’s entourage over personal terms.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip has the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo and how his United team-mates feel about his situation.