Chelsea owner plotting to raid Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong in the summer

Chelsea have splashed over £600 million in transfers since Todd Boehly became the owner of the club in May 2022. 

They had a busy summer transfer window as they brought in the likes of Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in expensive deals. 

However, their spending spree didn’t end in January as they splashed more to sign Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandes, with the latter costing them an eye-watering £106m fee. 

But they will still chase more high-profile players this summer. According to SPORT, Boehly is plotting to raid Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong. 

N’Golo Kante has been one of their most important players over the years, but his fitness has been questioned recently. 

The 31-year-old has made only two Premier League appearances this season, with the Frenchman remaining on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. 

With his current deal expiring this summer, Kante’s future looks uncertain. 

The France international could end up penning an extension, but the need for a new midfielder remains high at Stamford Bridge. 

They are eyeing a move for De Jong, but the transfer could be difficult for the Premier League giants to complete.

The 25-year-old has been at Camp Nou since 2019 when he joined the Blaugrana from Ajax. 

He has been one of the most important members of the Spanish team, with over 170 senior appearances to his name. 

The Netherlands international is highly rated for his excellent technique, dribbling skills and passing ability and is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. 

Will Chelsea be able to secure a deal for De Jong? 

The versatile midfielder has been a key member of Xavi’s team this season. 

He has been a regular starter, making 33 appearances in all competitions and contributing two goals. 

Xavi doesn’t want Barca to contemplate selling De Jong. 

The player is reportedly content at Barca and doesn’t want to move anywhere else. 

Manchester United chased his signature last summer, but they failed to lure him to the richest football league. 

The Red Devils agreed a deal with the Catalans, but De Jong stayed in Spain. 

Will Chelsea fare better than United in their chase of De Jong? They have the finances and are one of the best teams in England. 

However, they are unlikely to finish in the top-four this season, meaning they could miss out on Champions League football for next term. 

Without European football to offer, they will find it hard to convince the Netherlands international to join them this summer.