CHELSEA are looking to scupper Barcelona’s plans to land Georginio Wijnaldum this summer, according to reports.
The Liverpool midfielder looked certain to team up with compatriot Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp with his contract expiring.
Jurgen Klopp was believed to be eager to keep the Dutchman but talks have collapsed between club and player.
It was even reported how Wijnaldum’s move to Barcelona was ’95 per cent done’ after financial constraints meant they missed out on him last summer.
But Marca write how Premier League rivals Chelsea have joined a growing list of clubs vying for his signature including Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
The summer will be Thomas Tuchel’s first full opportunity to add new faces to his Blues squad following his appointment towards the end of January.
Wijnaldum, 30, is set to leave Liverpool following an illustrious five years with the club.
He lifted the Premier League last season a year after winning the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup the previous year.
When quizzed on his future in March, Wijnaldum said: “It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions about your future.
“You have to think about everything and then first negotiate with the clubs and it’s so difficult and it’s why it takes so long.”
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Koeman has made it no secret of his desire to sign Wijnaldum and said in January: “That is certainly a possibility, yes.
“I will try, because I would like to have him.
“But now I can not estimate what the financial situation of the club will be in January.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
