
Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold and director of football John Murtough have been pictured in Barcelona, sparking hopes that the protracted chase for Frenkie de Jong could soon be concluded.
United have reportedly offered an €85 million package to Barca for the midfielder, with just the exact nature of the add-ons still to be determined.
The Red Devils have made the 25-year-old their primary transfer target this summer, but have struggled to get the deal over the line.
Barca president Joan Laporta has repeatedly insisted de Jong is not for sale, but it seems a deal may now be close.
De Jong deal is big for United
If Arnold and Murtough are in Barcelona to discuss a move for de Jong, a deal will likely be done over the coming days.
For all Barca’s posturing over the past few weeks, they need to get players off their wage bill due to their perilous financial situation.
De Jong would be an excellent fit for United given the impact he made under manager Erik ten Hag when they were together at Ajax.
United fans have understandably become twitchy, with the club failing to significantly strengthen their squad this summer.
Left-back Tyrell Malacia has been the only major signing, and the Red Devils will need plenty more if they are to challenge for the top four this season.
Getting the de Jong deal done would calm a few nerves and reassure fans that Arnold and Murtough are the right men to take the club forward.

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