Chelsea are looking to hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong and bring the Dutchman to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to David Ornstein.
De Jong Has Been United’s Priority Over Summer
The Club Are Yet to Convince the Dutchman
United entered their 13th week of negotiations with De Jong on Monday as they hope to agree personal terms with the star.
Despite agreeing a fee with Xavi Hernandez’s team on July 14, they are yet to persuade the Netherlands international to join the squad at Old Trafford.
Read more: Manchester United Continue Negotiations for Frenkie de Jong – Alternatives at the Ready
De Jong’s priority throughout the talks has remained the same; to play Champions League football, which United cannot offer this forthcoming season.
Frenkie de Jong situation. There has been contact with Manchester United, yes – but sources say there's no full/close agreement with Barcelona, as of today. 🇳🇱 #MUFC
Barça financial situation could affect Frenkie's future – his priority is UCL football. Erik Ten Hag will push. pic.twitter.com/2eJHJ2XWGM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2022
Chelsea can, however, and have now entered direct talks with the Catalan side over signing their creative midfielder.
Read more: Potential for Frenkie de Jong Chelsea Move Amid Manchester United Interest
Chelsea Aiming to Hijack Two Rival Deals
Thomas Tuchel’s side appear close in beating another league rival to a signing, having met the £50 million asking price of Manchester City target Marc Cucurella of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Ornstein reported: “They are speaking to Barcelona about the 25-year-old and are optimistic of striking a deal.”
Old Flames Enough to Secure Signing?
A factor that may swing in the Manchester side’s favour is the appointment of manager Erik ten Hag, who worked closely with De Jong throughout their time at Ajax.
Read more: Manchester United Hard at Work on Wonderkid Signing; Told £55 Million Offer Will Be Accepted
The two reached new heights together when the team reached the Champions League semi-final in the 2018/2019 campaign after knocking-out European giants Real Madrid and Juventus.
Former Ajax star Donny van de Beek is also looking to prove himself under Ten Hag. Van de Beek played alongside De Jong in Amsterdam and the pair have regularly represented their national side, the Netherlands.
Alternatively, Chelsea can provide De Jong with exactly what he wants – a chance to play at the top level in Europe. The club lifted the trophy as recently as 2021 and were crowned UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup winners off the back of their triumphant win.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
De Jong will no doubt be eager to continue to prove himself as one of the best midfielders, and West London could be the place to do so.
It’s no secret that United as of late have looked a shadow of the remarkable former sides witnessed under Sir Alex Ferguson, whereas Chelsea are currently looking like a force to be reckoned with under their German coach – and have already added the silverware to show it.
