Frank Leboeuf has claimed he wants his former club Chelsea to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues are yet to bring in their first new signing of the summer, but they’re linked with a host of new players to improve the squad at Stamford Bridge. In particular, they need some new centre-backs after watching Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leave.
It’s been reported Chelsea are trying to sign Juventus centre-half De Ligt, who is keen to join them. He may be available now for cheaper than the £102million price tag that was originally feared, too.
The 22-year-old is a physical centre-back that’s proven himself already on the European stage with box Juventus and ex-club Ajax.
Lebouef wants Chelsea to sign De Ligt
ESPN pundit and ex-Blues defender Lebouef thinks De Ligt would be a popular signing at Chelsea this summer.
He’s already an incredible leader at a young age, so perhaps a potential successor to Cesar Azpilicueta as club captain.
“I think he showed last season he’s capable of dealing with any striker,” Lebouef told ESPN.
“With the experience of Thiago Silva, with the help of Edouard Mendy behind him, with a good N’Golo Kante in front of him, I’m sure he can sort any problem out.
“I definitely think De Ligt would please the Chelsea fans and would do well for the club. I would definitely go for him.”
Build from the back
A lot of the recent success at the Bridge has happened due to the rock solid defence, which is something Tuchel will be keen to keep moving forward.
There were a few cracks in the backline towards the end of last season, but usually there’s been a real solid foundation.
It’s going to be intriguing to see if Chelsea boss Tuchel wants to continue with a back three, so where exactly would De Ligt fit into that?
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