Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has informed the club that he will only leave to join Chelsea, but the Blues will not meet his valuation.
This comes as the 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a transfer to Manchester United this summer.
Reports earlier in the month claimed that De Jong wanted to move to Old Trafford, but this now appears to no longer be the case.
It was thought that Chelsea were preparing a bid for the Barcelona midfielder after being encouraged to move for him.
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During a meeting between Todd Boehly and the Barcelona hierarchy in Spain, the Blues were said to have been told to make an offer for the Dutch international.
However, reports regarding a potential move to Stamford Bridge have died down in recent weeks.
The Blues have trusted Conor Gallagher to play as a number six during their pre-season tour of the United States, while Ethan Ampadu has also been tested in the position.
Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were used in the position last season.
However, both Jorginho and Kante have contracts expiring next summer, with the Blues potentially facing a midfield rebuild next season.
As reported by Spanish outlet Sport, Chelsea have been handed a boost if they are to move for De Jong.
It is believed that the 25-year-old will ‘only agree’ to leave Barcelona if it is for Chelsea.
However, this is ‘where the problem starts’ for Barcelona as Thomas Tuchel’s side will refuse to pay the same fee that Manchester United would offer this summer.
The player’s refusal to join the Red Devils is complicating any potential exit from Barcelona, with him said to be ‘hurt’ by the club wishing to sell him.
The report continues to say that ‘everything is in the hands of Chelsea’, with the Blues having a free run at De Jong if they wish to pursue a deal for him this summer.
Tuchel is a fan of the midfielder, having previously wanted to sign him at Paris Saint-Germain before the Dutch international opted to move to Barcelona.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues will make a move for the Barcelona outcast, with defensive additions the priority as of now.
A transfer for Jules Kounde has broken down, with Chelsea not sending a verbal proposal to Sevilla for the French international, who now looks set to join Barcelona.
Chelsea may be tempted to move for De Jong, who has played in defence for his side previously but operates at his best in a midfield role.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Manchester United, Thomas Tuchel, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms