Transfer News: Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt agrees terms with Bayern Munich
Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt has agreed to personal terms with Bayern Munich amid Chelsea interest, according to Spanish outlet Sport (h/t The Sun). The Dutch centre-back has been linked with a move away from Turin after handing in his transfer request last month.
De Ligt wants a transfer to Munich, but the Bavarian club has no intention to pay the €70million asking price of Juventus, according to Journalist Christian Falk. Falk also says that Bayern know they are the defender’s first choice but still consider Chelsea as their biggest rival.
The 22-year-old centre-back moved to the Turin-based club from Ajax in 2019 for a record-breaking fee of €75 million. He has been a regular starter for the team but has arguably failed to justify such a big price tag. And now it seems he could be headed out, with Munich looking like the possible destination.
However, that need not be the case as Chelsea are also interested in him and could make a move to swoop him away from moving to Bayern.
Worth the headache?
Thomas Tuchel is in dire need to equip his back-line having seen first-team centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart. Fans would believe he needs to sign at least two centre-backs and Tuchel has been in the market for such.
De Ligt is an experienced defender despite being just 22 years old. The Dutchman is a commanding figure at the back and also possesses leadership qualities. He could be a phenomenal addition to the Blue’s back-line not for just the next campaign, but for many seasons to come.
However, securing his signature will neither be easy nor cheap. Juventus will want to earn back some money after spending so heavily to get him to the club in the first place. Bayern are known to be shrewd negotiators. Chelsea would certainly be aware of the task on their hands and will have to play their cards right if they wish to see the Dutchman at Stamford Bridge next season.
It all depends if Chelsea want to go all out for him. The Blues know that the pre-season is approaching fast and they would need to have a solid backline ready before the first game of the season.
Trevoh Chalobah is a little too young to lead the defence himself while Thiago Silva’s playing career is in its last few years. Tuchel’s strongest suit at the Bridge has been defence- and it is a shame to see that we are now struggling to rebuild it in a proper way.
It doesn’t mean making panic buys but fans would have hoped the Blues planned their business better. Tottenham and Liverpool- two of our rivals for the PL crown- have been getting their business done early and such things can make a difference as it gives the new players more time to gel with the squad.
More Chelsea News
- Transfer News: Barcelona want to lure Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso from Chelsea for €20M
- Chelsea make enquiry about Cristiano Ronaldo transfer situation at Manchester United
- Juventus reveal their stance regarding the transfer of Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt
What happens is yet to be seen. There is no doubt that de Ligt’s addition to the Chelsea defence would be a fine one but only time will tell what happens in this transfer race that looks like it is nearing completion.