Chelsea target Barcelona superstar as Palmer warning received

Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs to have been contacted regarding a possible summer move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Netherlands international has less than 18 months remaining on his current contract at Camp Nou and he has been heavily linked with a departure after struggling to break into Hansi Flick’s preferred starting XI this season.

De Jong missed the first few weeks of the new campaign with an ankle injury, but he has only started four La Liga matches since returning to full fitness, amid competition from the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado.

READ MORE: Victor Osimhen transfer is ‘95% likely’

The 27-year-old has been tipped to secure a Premier League transfer for several years and a big-money move to England could finally take place when the 2025 summer window opens.

In fact, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been contacted regarding a potential summer deal for the Dutchman, according to TBR Football.

Barcelona are still keen to keep De Jong, but his future at Camp Nou is certainly far from guaranteed, especially considering he will be out of contract in 2026.

READ MORE: Chelsea rue transfer blunder as Maresca admits ‘delicate’ problem

Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea?

Although Chelsea could be set to sign De Jong this summer, Enzo Maresca’s side have been warned that Cole Palmer could push to leave Stamford Bridge if they fail to secure Champions League football.

The Blues have only won two of their last 10 Premier League matches and Paul Merson believes Palmer could seek an exit if their woeful form continues.

“If they finish outside the Champions League this year, Palmer will want to be playing Champions League football,” Merson told Sky Sports following Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

“He’s getting to the stage where, you know, the lad’s top drawer, so he’ll want to be playing in the Champions League. Watch this space if they don’t get into the top five.”

Palmer still has over eight years remaining on his contract at Chelsea, however, meaning the Blues are in a strong position to retain his services.