Chelsea are ‘already discussing’ a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who explain the Blues have been in talks with the La Liga side over ‘different matters’ and have confirmed to the latter they’re keen to take the midfielder.
At the moment, Chelsea have not submitted an offer to Barcelona for the 25-year-old. They don’t intend to take this step until they are sure the player is determined to leave the Camp Nou.
The west London club don’t want to end up wasting their time and energy in negotiations if the Netherlands stands firm in his desire to continue at Barca.
Xavi Hernández and other officials of the Catalan club have publicly stated they want to keep the ex-Ajax man. Despite this, the report states the Blaugrana would welcome his exit as it can help them save on his wages and bring in much needed cash.
Amid Chelsea’s interest, sources close to De Jong continue to insist he will respect the deal he has in place with Xavi’s side. His intention is to fulfil the contract that binds him to Barca until 2026.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appear as the ‘only option’ for the Dutchman this summer. In the 
event he decides to leave the Spanish side, De Jong would only go to a big club that play in the Champions League and can offer him options to win silverware.
Chelsea meet these requirements, while Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United do not since they have not made it to the Europe’s elite club competition this season.
