Chelsea are preparing to make an offer to Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong as Cesar Azpilicueta prepares to move to the Catalan side this summer, according to reports.
De Jong has been the subject of a lot of transfer speculation this summer, with the Dutchman being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United since the start of the window.
A move from the Camp Nou to Old Trafford has not yet materialised, and Chelsea are now thought to be interested in the midfielder and could beat their Premier League rivals to his signature.
Advert
It is now looking increasingly likely that their club captain Azpilicueta will join Barcelona this summer, having spent ten seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Although the deals are not thought to be linked, both the English and Spanish giants could be involved in transfer activity together once again this summer.
According to Relevo, Thomas Tuchel’s side are preparing a ‘formal proposal’ for de Jong as they eye a move for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Advert
It is believed that Chelsea have very recently expressed a desire to sign him this summer with a move to United not being of interest to the player, ‘neither sportingly nor personally’.
Reports earlier in the month claimed that the Blues had been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the player due to Old Trafford being his preferred destination, but this is now thought to no longer be the case.
While Chelsea may be preparing to welcome an incoming via negotiations with Barcelona, they are set to complete an outgoing deal with the same club.
Azpilicueta has been linked with a move to the Catalan side since the start of the year, with the Spaniard now having one year left on his deal in west London.
Advert
He will leave the Blues with 476 appearances to his name in all competitions, netting 17 goals and assisting another 56.
Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that the two clubs are set to begin a ‘new round of talks’ over the defender, who has won every major trophy possible during his stint at Chelsea.
Barcelona are keen to move fast with the negotiations and Azpilicueta is waiting for the clubs to reach an agreement, having agreed a deal until 2024.
Advert
The clubs have been transfer rivals so far this window as they look to strengthen their respective squads.
Raphinha was a target for the Blues but the Brazilian opted to make the move to Camp Nou.
However, it appears as though the roles could very soon be reversed as Chelsea close in on a deal for Jules Kounde.
They are set to agree a deal worth around €50 million plus add-ons for the defender, who was close to a switch last summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Frenkie De Jong, Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Robert Calcutt