Chelsea have had “some discussions” about signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester United are believed to have agreed a €85m (£73m) fee for the Dutchman but, while the Blues have not been in contact with Barca, Romano says an approach to hijack the move has been considered:
“Chelsea have had some discussions to this possibility [of signing De Jong], but everything depends on Tuchel at the club. So, at the moment, there is no negotiation between Chelsea and Barcelona for De Jong.”
There has been a mixed reaction to the story among fans on Twitter, with some believing he could replace Jorginho, while others feel the club should be focusing their efforts on strengthening other areas of the pitch:
Manchester United is scared right now.
— Princely (@hchilde207) July 4, 2022
Let’s hijack this deal but first lets sell Loftus cheek Jorginho and Barkley
— Mingma Tshering Lama (@MingmaTsherin17) July 4, 2022
We are wasting our time. Get 2 CB asap.
— Nooblmao (@Nooblmao3) July 4, 2022
Don’t give me hope 🥲
— Vintage⛩️ (@iretiredJ5) July 4, 2022
85 nooooo let’s focus on defense and Sterling first
— TEECFC (@TEECFC10) July 4, 2022
Get this done
— OfficialJohnny131💙 (@johnhazard55) July 4, 2022
This is serious lack of focus and transfer targets…
— Kanté is a Legend (@basaya2908) July 4, 2022
Offer alonso and cash
— mr perfect (@shaggalot247) July 4, 2022
We don’t need this guy
— latest Orphan (@ikechukwuseang1) July 4, 2022
The Guardian‘s Jacob Steinberg did confirm Chelsea’s interest in de Jong last week, stating that the Netherlands international would probably prefer a switch to Stamford Bridge due to the fact that the Blues have Champions League football.
However, reinforcing at centre-back and up front are likely to take precedence, meaning de Jong is still much likelier to make the switch to United instead.