Report: Chelsea receive encouragement from Barcelona star over possible January transfer

Transfer News: Chelsea receive possible encouragement from Frenkie de Jong over a January move

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong could be open to leaving the Spanish club in January and Chelsea are said to have received indications from the player’s camp that he could consider a move to the west London club.

The player was involved in a transfer saga this summer. Rivals Manchester United were desperate to sign him, but the midfielder did not reciprocate the same.

Chelsea then joined the race and the 25-year-old favoured a move to us due to the luxury of Champions League football. However, his primary priority was to stay at the Catalonia club.

Fast forward two months and the player has fallen down the pecking order in Spain. This has led to him being frustrated and a move in January is being said to be under reconsideration, according to ESPN (h/t Express).

A move to the Blues could be possible for two possible reasons. One, the Spanish giants are on the verge of being eliminated to the Europa League from their Champions League group and two the west London club could do with a midfielder in their ranks.

N’Golo Kante has been injured and will be out for four months. He, along with Jorginho see their contracts expire next summer and the Blues could look at De Jong as a potential replacement.

But, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit. United along with Liverpool are interested in the Dutch midfielder and could provide tough competition to us, especially the latter.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea join Newcastle United and AC Milan in race to sign Arnaut Danjuma
• Chelsea boss Graham Potter impressed with Trevoh Chalobah and offered verdict on his England chances
• Chelsea are keeping tabs on Juventus and USA international midfielder Weston McKennie

It remains to be seen if the west London club will make a move for the midfielder in January. With a hectic schedule after the World Cup next month, squad depth will play a key part and having an experienced midfielder like De Jong will only help the club.