Chelsea-linked Matthijs De Ligt has handed Thomas Tuchel's side a boost in their pursuit for defensive reinforcements this summer, criticisng Juventus' sporting project.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are set to depart at the end of their contracts.
Speaking on international duty, De Ligt criticised the sporting proejct in Turin, labelling it as 'not good enough'.
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When asked about his future, he said: "There are ongoing conversations between me and Juventus. Right now I am focused on how I perform on the pitch, once the right moment arrives I will decide to extend or to look further."
The Dutch international continued to fuel speculation by criticisng the sporting project at the Italian giants.
"I look at the sporting project. Ending fourth in a row for two years in a row is not good enough, Juventus knows this too. So being Juventus, we have to make steps. I’m a Juventus player so I’m focused on that," he finalised.
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It was previously reported that Tuchel's side are monitoring the situation of De Ligt, who has a £120m release clause in his current contract at the Serie A side, which is due to expire in 2024.
Cesar Azpilicueta has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, who could look to sign the Spaniard despite him penning an automatic extension at Stamford Bridge for another season, joining Christensen and Rudiger as summer departures.
Therefore, the Blues are looking to add defensive reinforcements and De Ligt could be considered if there is a possibility of his departure in the transfer window.
As things stand, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah, Azpilicueta and Malang Sarr are the only senior central defenders currently at the club.
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Several loanees such as Ethan Ampadu and Levi Colwill are set to return for pre-season but it is unclear as to what the future holds for the pair, who could be shipped out once again.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde looks increasingly likely to be signing for Chelsea in the summer, after Tuchel admitted last September that they failed to sign the 23-year-old.
Tuchel said: "It was clear we tried for Kounde and Saul (Niguez) and it was very, very late but it was a very, very smooth transfer window because I had full concentration on training and on my team."
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It remains to be seen as to whether De Ligt could also move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, with his latest comments sure to hand Chelsea a welcome boost if they are to show interest in the Dutchman.
Topics: Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Matthijs De Ligt, Juventus, Netherlands, Football
Nick Emms