Transfer News: Barcelona have put up Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay for sale amid Chelsea interest
Spanish giants Barcelona have put up midfielder Frenkie de Jong and forward Memphis Depay up for sale, according to Sport (h/t Express). Both players were of interest to Chelsea during the summer.
The Blues bought in Denis Zakaria on loan and Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa to strengthen their midfield, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling were bought in to add reinforcements to the attack.
But now they have the chance to sign two players that they chased during the summer but to no avail. Rivals Manchester United were also interested in the duo and could likely join the race again.
United spent most of their summer chasing De Jong. However, the 25-year-old was reluctant to leave the Spanish club. But when the Blues joined the race, it was believed that the Dutch midfielder could consider a move to west London.
Conor Gallagher has stepped up in the middle of the park this season along with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. Chukwuemeka is still relatively inexperienced, while N’Golo Kante has not played for the club since picking up a hamstring injury in August.
Adding an experienced midfielder like De Jong would be very beneficial to the club. With the club set for a congested schedule after the World Cup, having a talented midfielder like the 25-year-old would not only help in adding depth but also help in improving the quality in the middle of the park.
Aubameyang has been leading the line for the Blues so far, with Armando Broja playing as his understudy. Depay’s addition would help in increasing the competition up front while also adding to its quality.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea forward Kai Havertz rejected summer approach from Bayern Munich
- Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf urges the club to sign Declan Rice and reunite him with Mason Mount
- Vinicius Junior names Chelsea star Reece James as one of his toughest opponents
It remains to be seen if the Blues make any approach for either of them in January. The lure of Champions League football could likely play an important part and that could give us the upper hand over United during negotiations if there are any.