Chelsea are set to miss out on the signing of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, whose future has been the subject of the summer.
What’s the word?
That is according to the ever-reliable David Ornstein who posted an update on the subject of De Jong and Chelsea in his transfer deadline guide, as per The Athletic.
In his column, Ornstein stated:
“Chelsea are still keen to sign Frenkie de Jong and may be the midfielder’s most probable destination if he was to leave Barcelona but, as things stand, he will be staying.”
A summer disaster
In the midst of an availability crisis in midfield, Tuchel would have appreciated an asset like De Jong, who could bolster the midfield and boost the overall creativity of the squad throughout his progressive passing style.
With an average of 2.91 shot-creating actions, 5.49 passes into the final third and 5.08 progressive passes per 90, De Jong would have fit the bill nicely for Tuchel and co.
Chelsea have struggled this season in both aspects of the game equally.
Their struggles in midfield have had a negative impact on their defence, with the side struggling to dominate sides as could be seen throughout last season.
But equally, chance creation has been a big disappointment and apparent theme throughout, with the side creating just five big chances this season which makes them the seventh worst side in the league for this metric.
A signing like De Jong, who specialises in creating stability in the engine room and moving the ball into dangerous areas of the pitch would have suited the side down to a tee.
Though it is not to be, with De Jong looking as though he will stay at Barcelona, despite the issues surrounding the player.
It’s a big disaster for Tuchel and co, who will need to turn their attention to other midfield targets if they are to fix this creativity issue before the deadline.
