Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, are working on a deal for FC Twente's 18-year-old defender Ruud Nijstad, who has 6 caps and 1 goal for Netherlands U18. BlueCo faces competition from Manchester City's parent company, City Football Group, which is also pursuing the player. The involvement of these ownership groups is considered important because they can offer multi-club pathways and clear development plans into the Premier League, which appeal to developing players. The interest from these groups has intensified as Barcelona's interest has decreased. The Catalan club was unwilling to offer more than a €10 million figure discussed with Twente, and it was also reported that Nijstad was not convinced by their development plan. Other clubs are also monitoring the defender, including Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa from England, as well as German clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. In the current Eredivisie season, Nijstad has made 9 appearances and provided one assist. His contract with Twente is valid until June 2027, and his valuation on Transfermarkt is €700,000.