Chelsea are leading Bayern Munich in the race to sign wantaway Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt next summer.

According to Italian daily La Stampa, as relayed by Calciomercato.it, Matthijs de Ligt could be set for a move away from Juventus in the summer. The defender is not happy with his current club and is looking for a change of scenery as per his super-agent, Mino Raiola. It has now put multiple clubs on red alert as they look to prise him away from Turin at the end of the season.

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in the services of de Ligt and are even leading Bayern Munich in the race to sign the Dutchman next season. With Juventus open to receiving offers for the defender, the Premier League giants could be in a better position to match their demands as opposed to the Bavarian heavyweights, who are still reeling from the loss of significant revenue due to the pandemic.

Bayern, though, are in the market for defensive reinforcements as they prepare for life without Niklas Sule. The German international is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. Chelsea are also in contention to sign Sule next season, although they are set to face stiff competition from Tottenham.

Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for various defensive options across Europe as well, including Andreas Christensen and Nico Schlotterbeck. But it appears unlikely that they will be able to fork out a sizable sum for someone like Matthijs de Ligt, thus giving Chelsea the advantage.

On the radars of Barcelona (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Is it time for De Ligt to move on? (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

The Blues are bracing themselves for a mass exodus in defence next season, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Christensen all nearing the end of their respective contracts.

It has put Chelsea on the hunt for defensive reinforcements, with de Ligt emerging as an ideal option. The 22-year-old Juventus centre-back is widely regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe, and his leadership qualities, coupled with his speed, technical ability and aerial prowess could make him a major asset for the Londoners.

De Ligt himself will be keen on moving on from Juventus, given the club’s recent shortcomings, both from a sporting and financial perspective. The Premier League, to that end, might be an ideal destination, with Chelsea prepared to offer him the platform to showcase his talents at the highest level of football.

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