Premier League giants Chelsea could take another step to a big summer in the transfer market after the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly as the Blues are preparing a formal offer for Barcelona’s Dutch international star Frenkie de Jong.
Per reports from Relevo duo Toni Juanmarti and Albert Rogé and cited by Managing Barça, Chelsea will imminently make an official move for the 25-year-old Dutchman while hijacking the long-standing plans of Premier League rivals Manchester United.
🗞 Barcelona already know that Chelsea are preparing a formal proposal for Frenkie de Jong – they have expressed their firm desire to sign him in the last few hours. A move to #mufc doesn’t seduce the player. [@tjuanmarti, @albert_roge]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 19, 2022
De Jong was long-considered to be the primary target for new United tactician Erik ten Hag this summer as the former AFC Ajax manager was keen on a reunion with De Jong as part of the tactical and personnel revamp at Old Trafford, but Chelsea is primed to steal a march on the Red Devils after Boehly has continued to act aggressively this summer at the top of the Stamford Bridge pyramid.
And the ball is surely in the Blues’ have as De Jong is said to be uninspired by the project at United – despite the presence of his former manager – both personally and professionally.
The Blues have already completed moves for England star Raheem Sterling as well as Senegalese stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly with the club looking set to push both Manchester City and Liverpool in the upcoming 2022-23 Premier League season after finishing 19-points off City and just three clear of capital rivals Tottenham.
With further deals set to be in the works, the Blues could be a legitimate contender for the Premier League crown this season after falling short under Thomas Tuchel last season.
