Talks transpire in the background between Barça and Chelsea for De Jong, with Manchester United still looming
According to reports from England, the Catalan club have been in contact with the London-based club in recent days, to discuss plans for the player
According to CBS Sports Golazo, Chelsea have held secret talks with Barça for Frenkie de Jong. Manchester United, led by the Dutchman's friend and former coach at Ajax, Erik Ten Hag, have been pressuring both Barça and the player for many weeks now. The Red Devils had even reached an agreement with Barça, only for Frenkie himself to pull the plug on the deal, as the move didn't suit him.
He feels at home in Barcelona, and staying on will fetch him a very good salary next season, and it also makes little sense to leave shores for a club that will not feature in the Champions League. But it seems Chelsea have begun showing interest.
Tuchel's team have been busy in the market after the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly. They have completed the signing of Sterling and Koulibaly and have now placed a huge bid for Koundé. With their recent acquistions and having qualified for the Champions League, Chelsea could be a far more attractive for the Dutchman. According to the English tabloid, Chelsea and Barça have been in unofficial talks for days, though it remains to be seen if they can convince Frenkie.
