Manchester United have been chasing a deal for de Jong throughout the summer but Erik ten Hag now seems set to miss out on his top transfer target.
While the Dutchman’s preference is thought to be to stay at Barcelona, Chelsea are now leading the race to sign him should he be forced out of the Camp Nou this summer with a deal worth £67.7million thought to be close.
A move to Stamford Bridge would see de Jong compete for a starting role alongside Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Conor Gallagher.
However, former Blues defender Gallas believes his former side should be targeting a more defensively minded midfield option, naming Real Madrid and Manchester City stars Casemiro and Rodri as ideal options.
‘De Jong is a great player. He is still young but he is so experienced in the way he plays,’ Gallas told Genting Casino.
‘I don’t think Chelsea should have gone for someone of that profile though. They already have players like him.
‘They should go for someone like Casemiro or Rodri instead. They are strong guys who stay in front of their defenders. They have good impacts physically as well. That is why I would not sign De Jong, because they already have players who are a little bit similar.’
Chelsea are looking to strengthen in a number of areas before the transfer window closes with a centre forward also being sought following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, who have joined Inter Milan and RB Leipzig respectively.
Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is among the strikers being considered by Chelsea with Gallas believing the Gabon international can have a key role to play in west London.
‘Chelsea should have known they had to sign a striker a few months ago. I don’t know why they are mainly linked with defenders when Lukaku did not stay and Timo Werner did not perform well over his two years at Chelsea.
‘If Aubameyang can leave Barcelona, he would be good but he only just joined them.
‘I would take Aubameyang though, as he is really experienced in the Premier League, and he will fit in straight away with the players.’
MORE : ‘Take a pay cut, b***h!’ – Manchester United and Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong abused by Barcelona fans
MORE : ‘I’m very happy!’ – Chelsea defender joins Monaco on loan with option to buy
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