Transfer News: Chelsea get boost in chase for Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt
According to Rai Sport (h/t Express), Chelsea have received a boost in the chase for transfer target Matthijs de Ligt. His agent Mino Raiola has put the defender’s future in doubt with his statements at a time when he has been linked with Chelsea.
Chelsea had plans to refresh their defensive ranks over the summer. They had a primary target in Jules Kounde and other names such as Maxence Lacroix as a backup. However, no deal was possible for Kounde over a price tag issue. That has made Chelsea look towards other targets such as Matthijs de Ligt.
The young Dutchman had been billed as the next big thing to emerge from Ajax. His move to Juventus has perhaps not gone according to plan. He has flitted in and out of the team in the last few seasons and his progress has also not gone in the same trajectory. Only in recent games has he looked back to his best.
Regardless, his agent Mino Raiola has put his client’s future up in the air with his latest statements.
“Matthijs de Ligt is one of the best centre-backs in Europe. He could leave Juventus at the end of the season. Transfer market sometimes works like this.”
That will surely perk up Chelsea’s ears as he is still one of the best emerging defenders in the game.
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It’s not that a side like Chelsea need a defender right away. However, if a talented young player like de Ligt is available, not making efforts might be foolhardy. These are still early stages in a potential move away from Juventus and something that Chelsea will likely be keeping a close eye on.
