Thomas Tuchel has dropped a major transfer hint regarding Chelsea’s links to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the Dutch star in recent days as Barcelona need to cut their wages this summer.
The 25-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United but reports have stated that he would prefer to join Thomas Tuchel’s side if he was to leave Spain this summer.
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It was previously reported that the Blues are hopeful of completing the signing this summer, holding further talks with Barcelolna regarding a move for de Jong.
Chelsea have already made five first team additions to their squad, with Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chucuemeka, Gabriel Slonina and Marc Cucurella all adding to the Blues’ options.
It was thought that de Jong could be the next addition as both N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s contracts expire at the end of the season, with neither player yet to renew terms to keep them beyond the summer of 2023.
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However, Tuchel has now played down the need for a midfielder in this transfer window.
Speaking to the press after Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Everton on the opening day of the Premier League season, the German discussed potential incomings.
When asked about any further signings by Sky Sports, Tuchel admitted that he is looking to bring new faces in, but is not prioritising a midfielder.
He said: “"I think if we can add to the squad we add.
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"Midfielders maybe not the first option but we can use new legs and fresh input to bring us to a new level.
"If not, we will push our current players.
“We could use some input and more quality. We are on it."
Chelsea are heavily linked with a move for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana, with a third bid imminent for the 21-year-old.
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Brendan Rodgers has already revealed that an initial bid was rejected, as he said: “There's been an offer to the club, but nowhere near the valuation of our ownership. We didn't even think about it.”
Chelsea will have to improve their offer in order to convince Leicester into selling the star, with an £80 million valuation on his head this summer.
With Tuchel desperate for at least one more defensive addition, Fofana looks the most likely to join while a striker could also come through the door as Armando Broja, Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling and Timo Werner are currently battling for the position in the middle of Chelsea’s attack.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms