Chelsea is reportedly gearing up to submit a substantial $100 million (£80 million) bid for one of FC Barcelona’s standout players, with owner Todd Boehly planning to initiate talks in Catalonia soon, according to El Nacional.
Barcelona, grappling with financial challenges and struggling in the transfer market, is faced with the prospect of offloading key players to ease debt and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Recognizing the need to reinforce their squad at Montjuic Stadium, Barcelona is contemplating parting ways with a marquee player this summer.
Reports suggest a reluctance to let go of Ronald Araujo, a key figure in central defense alongside 17-year-old La Masia graduate Pau Cubarsi.
In the midfield, Pedri and Gavi are considered untouchable, leaving Frenkie de Jong as a viable asset for a lucrative sale without compromising the young Spanish talents.
While De Jong was available for transfer in 2021, accepting a substantial $90 million (€85 million) bid from Manchester United, his role has evolved under departing head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Transitioning from a bench role, De Jong has become an undisputed starter alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri.
Despite not actively seeking to offload De Jong, Barcelona is reportedly open to considering offers around $107 million (€100 million) for his services, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The board is working to convince De Jong to extend his contract for an additional three seasons, aiming to spread out deferred payments from the pandemic over the extended duration of his tenure with the club.
De Jong currently holds the highest salary among first-team members, earning $26.7 million (€24.8 million) this season, $25 million (€23.2 million) next season, and $24.8 million (€23 million) in the final year of his contract.
If negotiations prove challenging, Chelsea, led by owner Todd Boehly, appears ready to engage directly in talks to potentially ease Barcelona’s financial strain, as reported by El Nacional.
The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact both clubs’ dynamics in the upcoming transfer window.
