Chelsea are willing to cover Frenkie de Jong’s transfer fee and salary debt at Barcelona if he chooses to join the Blues this summer, it has been revealed.
The 25-year-old looks like he is being forced out of the La Liga side this summer, despite his desire to remain at the Camp Nou.
Manchester United were the most heavily linked for the Dutch international but it has been reported that he has no interest in moving to Old Trafford due to a desire to play Champions League football.
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Chelsea can offer this and have been linked with a move for the midfielder this summer, with both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho seeing their contracts expire at the end of the season.
Despite this, Thomas Tuchel played down the need for midfield reinforcements after Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Everton on Saturday.
"I think if we can add to the squad we add,” he said.
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"Midfielders maybe not the first option but we can use new legs and fresh input to bring us to a new level.
"If not, we will push our current players.
“We could use some input and more quality. We are on it."
However, the latest reports now state that Chelsea would be willing to bring De Jong to the club this summer, despite Tuchel downplaying a move to boost his midfield numbers.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that the Blues have a firm interest in De Jong and are prepared to fund the transfer fee and cover the salary debt should he decide to join the club.
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However, a formal bid is yet to be submitted, with Ben Jacobs reiterating that Chelsea will not make an offer until they know that De Jong will agree to making the move.
Ornstein’s report has revealed a latest twist in the De Jong saga, with Barcelona wanting the midfielder to annul his current contract to return to his previous deal.
They are alleging that the terms given to him by the previous board at Barcelona provide grounds for legal action against those involved.
De Jong has so far been reluctant to leave the La Liga side, but the latest developments could change this as Chelsea prepare to pounce.
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Barcelona currently owe De Jong around £17 million in wages, and it is believed that Chelsea are willing to cover this, as well as pay his transfer fee to see him join Tuchel’s side.
Any decision will ultimately be down to the player, with it unclear as to if he will move this summer.
Chelsea can offer him Champions League football and a fresh start if he opts to make the move to London.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Transfers, Manchester United, Football