Bayern Munich have reportedly edged closer to capturing Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt, who has reached a verbal agreement with the Bavarians.
According to Sport1, Bayern Munich have moved one step closer to the capture of Matthijs de Ligt. The Juventus defender has shockingly emerged as one of the top targets for the Bundesliga giants this summer, as coach Julian Nagelsmann grows desperate to sign a top-quality centre-back ahead of the new season.
The report reveals de Ligt’s soft spot for Bayern Munich. The defender is determined to join the camp at Allianz Arena and has even reached a verbal agreement with the club over a potential move to Bavaria this summer. This is ominous news for Chelsea, who have been targeting the Dutchman for the majority of the summer.
With Antonio Rudiger joining Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen recently being announced at FC Barcelona, the Blues are determined to sign a few quality central defenders this summer. For Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, de Ligt was the undisputed top choice due to his limitless potential and leadership qualities at the back.
But as per the report, it appears the former Ajax starlet favours a move to Bayern Munich over Chelsea. He had been a Bayern Munich fan during his younger days and will embrace the opportunity to move to the Allianz Arena to work under the leadership of the tactically astute Julian Nagelsmann.
Bayern Munich are fresh from losing Niklas Sule to rivals Borussia Dortmund. There have been question marks over the performances of Dayot Upamecano and Tanguy Nianzou as well, thus accentuating the need for a top-quality centre-back who can offer the missing quality at the heart of the Bayern backline.
A move to Allianz Arena could see Matthijs de Ligt becoming a direct replacement for Sule. The Dutchman could become the leader of a three-man backline consisting of him, Upamecano and Lucas Hernandez. Their overall quality could go a long way in fixing Bayern Munich’s leaky backline.
As for Chelsea, it appears they are likely to prioritise a move for their other top defensive target in Jules Kounde. However, they are set to face stiff competition from Barcelona, with the Catalans reportedly confident of sealing a €45 million move for the Sevilla starlet this summer.