Chelsea will step up De Jong interest after finalising Aubameyang deal

Chelsea want to shop in Barcelona. The London club are in the final stages of a move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although there is no agreement between the clubs yet and talks have been parked until next week. In these negotiations, Chelsea have reaffirmed their desire to sign Frenkie de Jong. They want the midfielder but will not pick up talks until they have sorted Aubameyang. There are interesting days ahead.

Barça have made it clear to Chelsea that they will not accept their current offer for Aubameyang and that they need to up the price and not include Marcos Alonso. Barça will open the door to a transfer, though, although the De Jong situation is different as there is a salary conflict between the player but he could move to the Premier League side if Chelsea make a big offer.

Barça plan to meet with De Jong and his camp next week to try and get him to reduce his salary. The Dutchman has not yet agreed to despite pressure in recent weeks. He didn't like reports that his contract renewal was illegal as he reduced his salary and deferred wages to help the club. If De Jong's camp don't accept a reduction now, Barça will continue to push him out, with Chelsea best placed at the moment.

Chelsea's big problem at the moment is the player himself, who wants to maintain his salary and Chelsea feel it is too high. The two clubs could reach an agreement but it will all depend on De Jong.