According to reports, Man City is getting ready to make a sizable offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong after failing to sign Declan Rice.
After making an initial bid of £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons for West Ham midfielder Rice, the Citizens eventually withdrew their offer after receiving a £105 million offer from Arsenal for the England international.
City’s feeble attempt to enter the Rice saga was always doomed to fail, but it is a huge compliment to the Arsenal and the advancements they have made under Mikel Arteta.
Even though Kalvin Phillips, a former Leeds midfielder, has said he wants to stay, there are rumours that he might leave Man City after just one season at the Etihad Stadium.
After months of rumours that he might join rivals Manchester United last summer, Spanish publication Fichajes claims that Barcelona midfielder De Jong “is once again the object of desire for Manchester City.”
The Catalan giants view De Jong as the player from whom they could “gain the most economic benefit” this summer because Barcelona is still having financial difficulties.
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According to Fichajes’ “latest information,” Man City is “willing to offer almost €110 million (£95 million)” for the Netherlands international.
According to the report, Ilkay Gundogan leaving for Barcelona and reportedly passing up Rice or Jude Bellingham led to “a personal request from Pep Guardiola.”
Guardiola could “make the most of the midfielder’s potential” because De Jong has “dropped his desire to continue at Barcelona on more than one occasion.”
This summer, there have been rumours that Manchester United might be prepared to make a move for De Jong, who excelled at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, but his enormous price tag would likely be a problem.
A year ago, Teddy Sheringham issued a warning to the Premier League team, doubting that De Jong would be able to handle the “battle” in England.
Where is he going to find these players? Sheringham asked when speaking a year ago. I’m aware of the Frenkie de Jong rumours. He has been playing for Barcelona, who are predicted to defeat almost every other team, rather than the Premier League, where he hasn’t appeared.
“Throughout the season, many of Barca’s domestic rivals give them the benefit of the doubt. In the Premier League, every game is a battle; that doesn’t happen.
“Ten Hag might be taken aback by the league’s tempo and calibre. A player like de Jong, too. The following season for United could be complete chaos.
