Report: Chelsea think Manchester United are more likely to sign £68m than them, but they’re willing to take risk

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Reports suggest Chelsea are prepared to risk missing out on in an attempt to secure a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong this summer.

According to The Independent, the Blues still expect Manchester United are favourites to complete the deal for the highly-rated Dutchman.

Erik ten Hag has been keen on a reunion with De Jong all summer long, as he looks to begin his own rebuild at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have reportedly tabled a bid worth £68m.

However, Chelsea have put their name in the hat for a potential hijacking of the deal, with it reportedly being a topic of discussion when Todd Boehly visited Barcelona for a meeting with club chiefs.

The Netherlands international is just one of many players the Blues have now been linked to this summer, in the first transfer window since the American took over ownership of the club.

Chelsea willing to risk for De Jong

The Independent have reported though that the Blues would be willing to miss out on a number of targets this summer, just to make sure they are in the running.

Of course, that may mean more disappointing transfer sagas like the Raphinha one – where the Blues have missed out to Barcelona.

However, it also makes for a very exciting summer and probably ensures that Chelsea will continue to be linked with high class players right until the end of the transfer window.

A midfielder could be seen as a priority for Thomas Tuchel this summer, as the futures of Jorginho and N’golo Kante remain unknown.

The Italian even admitted yesterday that he was unsure if he would be staying at Stamford Bridge, with the new ownership resulting in a new era in West London.

Matheus Nunes is another midfielder who has been linked with making the switch to London, with the Blues said to be leading Europe’s elite clubs in the race for his signature.

Tuchel would also be encouraged to consider allowing Conor Gallagher the chance to flourish in this Chelsea side, with the Englishman shining on loan for Crystal Palace last season.

His form on loan saw him break into the England side, with his confidence the highest it has ever been.