Stupid move if they continue to hold this player. Currently Chelsea are reportedly ready to spend 72 million pounds just for De Jong and this means the same as MU's previous offer.
On the other hand for Auba right now his chances are a bit difficult but actually there is still hope even if it is small, But if he really wants to get more time then Chelsea now can be a good place.
The problem now depends on De Jong, whether he wants to join the Chelsea team or not because De Jong also rejected Manchester United for the same thing. So I'm also confused as to why he turned it down and just wants to stay at Barcelona with a pay cut and less playing time. So I think it would be a stupid move if De Jong still turned down Chelsea with that amount of offer.
He insisted he wanted to stay but Barcelona's threat was definitely more cruel I think.
Some time ago I read that indeed if he insists he does not want to be sold then there are indeed some consequences that he must accept, one of which is that his transfer case will be brought to court because Barcelona considers there is something wrong with the transfer related to De Jong before.
I think with things like this, there really is no reason for De Jong to leave because even if he insists on staying this will only alienate him.