Chelsea are holding direct talks with Barcelona to sign midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
This will come as a blow to Manchester United as the Red Devils have been chasing De Jong’s signature all summer, however, the player’s preference on his future destination once leaving Barcelona remains unknown.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are speaking to Barcelona about the 25-year-old and are optimistic of striking a deal. It is worth noting – especially after reading this – that United previously struck an €85 million club-to-club agreement for De Jong.
David Ornstein reports: “Chelsea are also hoping to beat a domestic rival to another player, having rivalled Manchester United in the contest to recruit Dutch playmaker De Jong.”
The holdup remains because De Jong does not want to discuss his future until Barcelona pay the €17m he is owed in deferred wages.
There will be a significant backlash for the likes of John Murtough and Richard Arnold if United come up short in their pursuit to seal a deal for De Jong. Who will the alternatives be? Please don’t say Ruben Neves or Youri Tielemans…
Erik ten Hag has named his targets and it’s not a good look that United have thus far failed to sign the player he wants more than the rest.
Let us know in the comments section if you think United will win the race to sign De Jong this summer.