Barcelona will reportedly push for talks with Ajax this week in a bid to try and complete the signing of midfielder Frenkie de Jong before the deadline.
The Catalan giants have already made significant changes to their midfield this summer, with Arthur and Arturo Vidal coming in at the Nou Camp after the exits of Andres Iniesta and Paulinho.
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However, it would appear as though perhaps coach Ernesto Valverde isn’t entirely satisfied, as Sport claim that Barcelona will push to secure a deal for De Jong with the transfer window closing in Spain on August 31.
Nevertheless, it looks likely to be a race against time to firstly convince the Dutch giants, as it’s claimed that if the two parties move forward with talks over a transfer, it will only happen after Ajax have played Dynamo Kiev in the second leg of their Champions League qualification clash on August 28.
It’s understandable from their perspective that they’d want De Jong to potentially help them get to Europe’s top table before he leaves, but it remains to be seen if that leaves enough time in 48 hours to wrap up an agreement, provided that they give the move the green light for the 21-year-old.
The Dutch international has impressed despite his inexperience, making just 26 appearances last season but proving to be a key cog in Ajax’s midfield.
Further, with the technical quality and class in possession that he has, he could be a perfect fit for Barcelona and so it’s easy to see why they might be so keen to sign him.
Time will tell though if that happens this summer or if Ajax’s resolve can’t be broken for now, but with a meeting scheduled for this week, as noted by Sport, it would appear as though Barca are ready to make one final push to see if it can be done before the window closes.