Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is of interest to Juventus this summer but, as things stands, he is not currently involved in any bid which will take Matthijs de Ligt to Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are working on a deal to bring De Ligt to west London and talks remain ongoing between the two clubs as they look to thrash out an agreement.
De Ligt, 22, is open to leaving the Bianconeri and Chelsea are leading the race for his signature.
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He is admired by Tuchel, who wants him to play a key part of the club’s rebuild after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the end of their contracts.
De Ligt has a £102 million release clause and two years left on his current contract.
Juventus are hoping to renew his current deal but are softening their stance as they accept a departure is looking increasingly likely.
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Now, as reported by Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are hoping to pay between £60 and 65 million for the Dutchman, but the Italian side are holding out for at least £70 million.
Chelsea duo Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner have been linked to be involved in a swap deal as part of a player-plus-cash deal, despite Juventus’ interest in Jorginho.
Ben Jacobs adds that Juventus are still interested in the Italy international, but Chelsea are not currently considering putting Jorginho in any deal to sign De Ligt.
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He is out of contract next summer and plays an integral role in Tuchel’s team.
The Chelsea head coach is keen to resolve his future this summer to avoid his contract being dragged out and fuelling uncertainty over his future.
"It's a wish as a coach that we solve this in the summer in any way, that we solve it and it's clear where the journey is and what the decision is," said Tuchel back in April on Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s futures at the club.
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"Yes, this is the wish."
The agent of Jorginho, Joao Santos, has on several occasions made it clear that his client would like to return to Italy one day, but has always refused to comment on when that will be.
Chelsea will step up their pursuit of De Ligt this week which will create a clearer indication of who, if anyone, will be heading the other way to seal the blockbuster transfer.
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The Blues head off to the United States on Saturday for their pre-season training camp and tour where they will play three matches - against Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal - and will be keen to make a few additions this week prior to their flight.
Topics: Jorginho, Matthijs De Ligt, Chelsea, Juventus
Matthew Debono