Transfer News: Chelsea get quick response from Juventus after making approach for Mattijs de Ligt
A report by Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t Express) claims that Chelsea contacted Juventus over a possible transfer for star defender, Matthijs de Ligt.
The report goes on to add that the Blues were quickly rejected by The Old Lady. Barcelona made an enquiry as well but were also rebuffed by last year’s Serie A winners.
The Dutch defender missed the start of this season due to an injury but has made himself a mainstay in the backline after moving to Turin from Ajax in 2019 for a £67.8m fee.
Chelsea don’t seem to be in an urgent need to sign defenders. Thomas Tuchel uses a three-man backline where Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilicueta share gametime.
No de Ligt
However, Silva is in the final few weeks of his one-year contract with the Blues and Azpilicueta will be 32 by the time we enter into September 2021.
On top of that, Andreas Christensen’s injury scare against Manchester City on Saturday will also serve as a reminder as to how quickly the Blues could fall short of depth at the back in the event of an injury.
In light of this, the approach for de Ligt makes sense. But it is never going to be the easiest task in the world signing a top defender from a big club like Juventus.
A centre-back, alongside a striker, is believed to be on Chelsea’s wishlist in the summer transfer window. But with Timo Werner seemingly finding form recently, a centre-back should be the club’s priority.
More Chelsea News:
- Transfer News: Major boost for Chelsea in pursuit of Ajax man Nicolas Tagliafico
- Chelsea keen on €60m-rated Robert Lewandowski
- Transfer News: Manchester City enter the race for Chelsea target Declan Rice
Chelsea’s stock would be further raised in the eyes of potential recruits if they manage to topple Pep Guardiola’s City in the Champions League final on 29th May. This is the Blues’ third-ever UCL final and would be their first Champions League trophy since 2012.