Chelsea keeping tabs of 27-year-old Barcelona star: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The 27-year-old will be out of contract in 2026 and Enzo Maresca's side want themselves to be one of the potential suitors for the Dutch midfielder.
Frenkie de Jong, since joining Barcelona in 2019 from AFC Ajax, has played a crucial role in the team's performances. He has notched 17 goals and 21 assists across 214 appearances. However, now his future is uncertain.
As per a report from Fichajes, a number of top European clubs are monitoring Frenkie de Jong's situation at Barcelona. And of course, one of them is Chelsea. The Blues are ready to sign the Dutch midfielder perhaps at the expense of Carney Chukwuemeka. Notably, recent reports have suggested that Chukwuemeka might leave Stamford Bridge in the future.
However, de Jong's arrival at Chelsea or any other club completely depends on what he decides to do. He is a vital cog in Hansi Flick's contingent and the German manager will surely want to extend his stay at the Catalonia-based outfit. However, a failure in agreeing terms will open the gates for new suitors, some of which will surely be Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Notably, a few seasons back, the Dutch star was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford. But the deal never materialized. Manchester United now have Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte to guard their fortress alongside youngster Kobbie Mainoo. But with Erik ten Hag being at the helm, a Dutch influence might come in handy to woo de Jong to United, in case the club part ways with Casemiro.
A look at Chelsea and Barcelona's midfield dynamics
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are playing sublime football, be it the Premier League or the UEFA Conference League and Carabao Cup. Midfielders Moises Caicedo's remarkable guarding abilities added with Enzo Fernandez's box-to-box abilities are helping the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho, and Nicholas Jackson to attack with more intensity.
Meanwhile, looking at Barcelona, they are currently flourishing under Hansi Flick. Sitting comfortably at the top of La Liga, the Catalan giants are eyeing another domestic title this season. Their midfield needs Frenkie de Jong more, looking at the current situation. At times, Flick has been forced to play defender Eric Garcia in midfield due to the Dutchman's absence from ankle injury.
Frenkie de Jong plays the role of a proper No. 6. Hence, the club which will offer him that freedom and reliability will perhaps be his choice if Barcelona don't offer him a proper renewal.