Chelsea are set to make a new offer for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt in the coming days.
As per Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Chelsea are expected to come up with an improved offer for Matthijs de Ligt. The Juventus superstar has emerged as the top defensive target for Thomas Tuchel this summer as the German tactician looks to shore up his options at the heart of the backline.
Chelsea had reportedly come up with an opening offer worth €40 million plus Christian Pulisic or Timo Werner. But Juventus were swift to reject the proposal. The report suggests the Italian giants are holding out for a figure close to €120 million, which is the listed value of the defender’s release clause.
De Ligt’s current contract at Juventus expires in 2024. The former Ajax starlet was recently offered a contract extension by the Italians but on lowered terms than his current salary in light of the club’s economic issues. The defender opted not to entertain the offer and is now open to leaving Allianz Stadium in the summer.
Barcelona had emerged as a potential destination for the Dutchman, but they have backed out due to the finances involved in the deal. It has left Chelsea as the firm favourite to sign the young centre-back, who is rated highly by Tuchel.
The report from Gazzetta dello Sport suggests Chelsea are weighing up an improved second offer for de Ligt in the coming days. The Dutchman has been identified as the ideal man to become the face of the club’s defensive line following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Due to the hefty demands of Juventus, the Chelsea board are looking for alternatives in the market, with Benoit Badiashile mooted as one of the options. But Tuchel insists on singing de Ligt due to his experience and composure. At the age of just 22, he has time on his side as well, making him an ideal long-term investment for the club.
However, luring de Ligt away from Turin will not be an easy task. While Juventus are not in a position to keep the defender at the club for a couple more years, they are not on board with the idea of losing the player this summer. Chelsea, therefore, will have to come up with a lucrative offer if they are to secure the services of the defensive prodigy ahead of the new season.
