Chelsea 'to rival Manchester United with £85m Frenkie de Jong bid'

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to submit an £85m offer to rival Manchester United for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Netherlands international was heavily linked with a move to Man United in the summer of 2022, but he was reluctant to leave Barcelona at the time.

However, it has now emerged that De Jong is reconsidering his future with the Catalan giants, opening the door to a potential departure at the end of the season.

After previously showing an interest in the 26-year-old, Man United are believed to be monitoring the player's situation following the latest developments.

However, according to Sport, Chelsea are set to rival Man United after identifying De Jong as a potential target for the summer transfer window.

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Chelsea experienced a quiet transfer market in January after splashing out in the first three windows under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

While they failed to make a single signing in the winter window, the Blues are already preparing an offer for De Jong in the summer.

The report claims that Chelsea are willing to submit a £85m bid to beat Man United in the race to secure the Dutchman's signature.

Chelsea are seemingly keen to add De Jong to a midfield that has already seen significant investment in the last 13 months.

The Blues signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in a £107m deal in January 2023, before Moises Caicedo arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer for a club record transfer of £114m.

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The Ecuador international international was followed through the door by Romeo Lavia, who completed a switch from Southampton for a reported £58m fee.

As well as Man United, Chelsea could face further competition for De Jong's services, with Paris Saint-Germain believed to be showing an interest.

While he may face an uncertain future in Catalonia, the former Ajax man continues to be a regular fixture in the Barcelona midfield.

De Jong, who has made 22 appearances this season, has started each of Barcelona's last 10 matches across all competitions.