Chelsea suffer blow in race for Matthijs de Ligt as defender addresses transfer links
Speaking in an interview (h/t Mirror), Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt has insisted that he is ‘happy’ at Juventus despite agent Mino Raiola’s recent exit hint.
The 22-year-old joined Juventus in the summer of 2019 after his successful stint at Ajax. Since then, the Dutch international has gone on to make 79 appearances for the Italian outfit and has also won the Serie A with them.
Chelsea, who already possess the likes of Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen in their centre-back options, could add another defender to the fold.
Rudiger is yet to sign an extension on his current deal, while Thiago Silva will also be out of contract next summer. Moreover, the Blues failed in their attempt to sign Jules Kounde this summer. Thus, it would not be a surprise if the West London club try to sign a defender in the near future.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were linked with De Ligt recently, and the rumours only intensified after the 22-year-old’s agent Mino Raiola claimed that the player could leave Juventus next summer.
Raiola told Tuttosport (h/t Mirror):
“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.”
While that was the case, the Dutchman has now come out and has insisted that he is happy at Juventus and appreciates new boss Massimiliano Allegri as well. The 22-year-old said (h/t Mirror):
“I feel good, I feel good with Allegri too. He (Allegri) has a lot of attention for the defensive phase, it’s very important, I worked a lot, and I’m happy.”
More Chelsea News
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- Thomas Tuchel speaks out on speculation regarding Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger
- Tim Sherwood expects Chelsea ace Timo Werner to struggle this season
This would be a huge blow for the London club, who will now have to focus their attention elsewhere as Tuchel looks to add to his star-studded squad.
