Reports from Italy are suggesting that Juventus are worried about losing Matthijs de Ligt this summer, with Chelsea interested in striking up a deal
According to Corriere Dello Sport, the Old Lady are fearing that interest from Europe’s elite could see them lose the Dutchman, who has already hinted he doesn’t want to renew his deal at the club.
The Netherlands international joined the club from Ajax in 2019, after captaining the side en route to a Champions League semi-final.
Despite not quite fulfilling the standards expected of him in Italy, the 22-year-old is still a figure some of the best clubs in the world are looking to build their defences around.
This prospect is concerning for Juventus, with Corriere Dello Sport claiming Chelsea are just one of a number of European powerhouses in for the Dutchman.
They say fellow Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all interested in De Ligt, with PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid also monitoring his situation.
Reports had suggested that the Netherlands man is Chelsea’s ‘dream’ signing, however his potential price tag of £102m looked set to put the deal just out of reach.
Despite this, the news that Jules Kounde is requiring surgery after an recurring injury irritated in France’s fixture last night could push them back towards a different statement signing at the back.
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While De Ligt would be a fantastic addition to the Chelsea back line, it just feels like it’s going to be too much money for the Blues.
The position of centre-back undoubtedly needs strengthening, but it is more likely the Blues persist (with caution) for the long-awaited Kounde deal, given the fact the Athletic are reporting the surgery was pre-planned.
Chelsea would also do well not to stunt the growth of Levi Colwill either, after seeing the good things Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi have done in their first season away from Stamford Bridge.
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