Chelsea close to agreeing transfer fee for Frenkie de Jong after Todd Boehly direct talks

Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.

The 25-year-old has heavily been linked with a departure from the Camp Nou this summer, with Manchester United holding initial interest.

The Red Devils had agreed a fee with Barcelona, but De Jong was reluctant to move due to a desire to play Champions League football and preferring to remain in Spain.

However, he is said to be more interested in a transfer to Chelsea, who are yet to make a bid for the midfielder.

Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona action. (Alamy)

Despite the rumours, Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted that he wanted to keep the Dutch international this summer. 

“Frenkie’s our player and we want him to stay at Barcelona, he wants to stay too,” Laporta said. 

“With him and his teammates, we have a very powerful midfield.

“He has offers, but we want him to stay.”

It remains to be seen as to whether Chelsea are one of the offers that is mentioned, with it now believed that the Blues are close to agreeing a fee with the Spanish side.

As reported by Tom Roddy of The Times, Chelsea are close to an agreement over the transfer fee.

The Blues are said to be waiting the midfielder’s decision regarding his future as they attempt to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of De Jong, having previously attempted to sign him at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Dutch international is said to be uncertain on his future, with Chelsea now pushing to bring him to London.

Furthermore, Ben Jacobs reported that Chelsea are optimistic over the deal as co-owner Todd Boehly has spoken directly with the player.

Frenkie de Jong in action for FC Barcelona. (Alamy)

A formal bid will not be submitted until the player commits to a move, Jacobs continues to report.

Barcelona are keen on selling their midfielder to bring in a fee and free up wages to move for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.

It remains to be seen whether Tuchel’s side can pull off the move for the midfielder, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s contracts at the club both expiring at the end of the season.

Chelsea are also interested in Wesley Fofana from Leicester City, but a deal for De Jong is thought to be more advanced as the Blues could be closing in on another addition to their squad in a busy transfer window for Boehly’s Blues.