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Chelsea have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong despite co-owner Todd Boehly flying to Spain for Barcelona meeting, according to reports.
The Blues are under new ownership this transfer window and are yet to complete a signing even though they have been involved in multiple discussions.
It looks as though the first signing is imminent, Raheem Sterling has agreed personal terms in a move that would see him switch to west London from Manchester.
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Chelsea have been trying to get a transfer over the line for some time, they thought they had done enough to capture the signing of Leeds United ace Raphinha, but the saga with Barcelona is ongoing.
The Spanish giants have already played a major role in the summer window for the Blues, and it looks as though discussions are not done yet.
Having already sealed the signing of Danish defender Andreas Christensen, the Catalan club are looking to prise away more Chelsea players.
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Primarily they are interested in defenders, as they look to take both Marcos Alonso and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Wing-back Alonso has been reported to be considering handing in a transfer request to try and force a move.With his contract expiring at the end of next season, Xavi Hernandez is keen to get a cut price deal for the Spainard.
Chelsea officials, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were in Barcelona on Thursday evening to speak with Barcelona chiefs over several deals, with Boehly confirming that an agreement had been struck, however it wasn’t confirmed which players were involved.
It is thought, as reported by the Daily Mail, that Barcelona are prepared to offer players such as Sergino Dest and Memphis Depay to try and strike a deal for Azpilicueta and Alonso.
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Chelsea, however, have taken an interest in midfielder De Jong.
But it has been reported that Manchester United is his preferred destination, as he eyes a reunion with former manager at Ajax, Erik ten Hag.
A transfer fee which could rise to £70 million was claimed to be agreed, however negotiations have stumbled after it was reported that Barcelona still owe the player £17 million in deferred payments and bonuses from during the pandemic.
While Chelsea have been handed a blow in the chase for De Jong, they still remain interested in gaining his signature.
The Blues and Barcelona have also been battling elsewhere for signings, long-term Chelsea target Jules Kounde is admired by both clubs but no deal has been confirmed.
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It was also reported that both clubs are interested in Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, which could spark another battle.
Chelsea desperately need to bolster their backline this summer, as previously mentioned they lost Christensen to Barcelona and Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid as well.
With Alonso and Azpilicueta linked away, the Chelsea defence could be left short if new additions aren’t acquired.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Frenkie De Jong, Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester United
