Frenkie de Jong learns final Barcelona ultimatum as Thomas Tuchel pushes transfer
Frenkie de Jong handed ultimatum
Barcelona have given Frenkie de Jong a final ultimatum amid strong interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United. football.london understand that the west Londoners have liked the idea of signing the Netherlands international for a few years now.
And, it’s said that Chelsea have entered talks with the 25-year-old as the Blues boss looks to arm his side with more creativity in midfield. However, there is currently no agreement in place, though Chelsea are believed to be optimistic of completing a transfer in the region of €80million.
According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs , the Spanish giants have reiterated to the midfielder that he must take a 50% pay cut else he must leave. It’s said that Barcelona expect a decision from the Dutchman imminently.
Xavi answers Aubameyang rumours
Chelsea have been handed major blow in their mission to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer despite Barcelona’s well-documented financial troubles. The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Thomas Tuchel looks to bolster his strike force following the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
football.london understand that talks with Barcelona over the striker’s sale are ongoing, though it remains to be seen whether the former Arsenal talisman favours a move to Chelsea. Regardless of whether the Blues are confident of completing a deal for Aubameyang, the west Londoners have a roadblock in their way.
Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, Xavi has insisted that he has full confidence that he can count on the striker amid a potential exit. The Barcelona head coach said:
“I count 100% on Auba.”
Pulisic considered as make-weight for Roma deal
Thomas Tuchel looks set to stifle Antonio Conte’s perfect summer transfer window as Chelsea plot a move for Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolo Zaniolo. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Lilywhites amid an increasingly uncertain future at Roma, but the Blues look ready to swoop in and hijack a deal.
According to Calcio Mercato Web, Spurs have had a £46.4million bid rejected by Roma for Zaniolo. With the north Londoners licking their wounds, the report adds that Chelsea are armed and ready to spoil their rival’s lasting deal before the summer market slams shut at the start of next month.
It’s said that the Blues are prepared to offer the Giallorossi a straight-swap deal which sees Christian Pulisic go the other way. The United States international could prove to be Chelsea’s secret weapon which spoils Tottenham’s perfect end to the window.
