Chelsea are reportedly plotting a big move for Matthijs de Ligt in the summer as a reliable replacement for Antonio Rudiger, who will leave the Blues.
According to Calciomercato, Matthijs de Ligt is a summer target for Chelsea, with the Blues plotting a move for the Dutchman to replace the departing Antonio Rudiger. The 22-year-old Juventus defender will be a costly acquisition given his market value and how much the Serie A giants are counting on him to remain at the club next season.
A few years ago, Juventus had an admirable stable of centre-backs, but most of them have left the club while the veteran stars are losing their spark. One of the players who currently remains at the Serie A outfit is Matthijs de Ligt, although the Dutchman could be the subject of a move to Chelsea, with the Blues plotting a sensational transfer in the summer.
Juventus are wary of the interest in the Dutchman, not only from Chelsea but around the continent. Hence they reportedly quoted €100 million to Barcelona recently, with the Catalans also keen on signing the 22-year-old centre-back. The Bianconeri had made a significant investment while signing him from Ajax and will look to make a decent profit if they sell him.
Chelsea are reportedly hunting for the defender as they have many problems to solve at the back. Their primary task is to replace Antonio Rudiger, who could join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Andreas Christensen is leaving on a Bosman move, with Barcelona his reported destination.
Rudiger has been a key defender under Thomas Tuchel, and it is going to be difficult to find a suitable replacement for the German centre-back. De Ligt comes close to his profile, although the prices quoted for the 22-year-old Dutchman could pose a problem for Chelsea in the next window, considering the UK Government’s sanctions are still in place.
Even if the sanctions get lifted with a new owner in place, the hierarchy will have to guarantee big money to fill the void at the back. Chelsea are also keen on signing Jules Kounde, who will cost around €65 million in the summer. If we consider the Blues could go for both stars, then an investment of more than €160 million may be required, which sounds unprecedented.
De Ligt could be tempted to move to Stamford Bridge, although the club are expected to take a hard look at the finances when Roman Abramovich is no longer at the club to bankroll big moves. It will be an intense summer for Chelsea, who will be keen on signing at least one top defender, although with the prices quoted for de Ligt, they will be cautious before making any approaches.