Matthijs De Ligt Responds To Chelsea Links As Thomas Tuchel Key To Transfer

Matthijs de Ligt has responded to a Chelsea fan during his holiday in Greece over whether he will make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 22-year-old is ready to leave the Old Lady and Chelsea appear to be leading the race for his signature should he be on the move during the summer transfer window.

Thomas Tuchel is eyeing a defensive rebuild at Stamford Bridge after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the end of their contracts.

“We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge," said the Blues boss.

Targets have been identified and De Ligt is the priority for the Blues at the back.

Tuchel sees the Dutch international as a key to his backline and wants to bring him to west London, along with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, who the club have been quoted in excess of £50 million for.

De Ligt has a release clause in his contract which runs until 2024 which is worth in the region of £100 million, with the 22-year-old hoping for it to be lowered.

The Dutchman is ready to leave and is open to joining Chelsea, as per reports, which is likely to see Juventus soften their demands for the defender.

Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner have both been offered as options in a player-plus-cash deal should Juventus and Chelsea come to an agreement over a transfer.

According to a fresh report from Nick Purewal, De Ligt is thought to be impressed by Tuchel getting the best of out defenders and helping the likes of Antonio Rudiger thrive, which has put the Blues in the lead for his signature.

Talks remain ongoing and although there is no agreement in place, Chelsea are confident on landing the Juventus defender.

De Ligt is currently holidaying in Greece as he rests and re-energises ahead of the new season and potentially in new surroundings.

Amid all the speculation over his future, he bumped into a Chelsea fan who quizzed him over his future.

He was asked if he would join Chelsea - his response, while laughing, was: "I do not know, we will see!"

Chelsea return to pre-season at the start of this month and Tuchel will be hoping to have several signings in place to work with before they head to the United States for their pre-season tour later in July.

Jules Kounde of Sevilla and Napoli's Kalidou Kalidou Koulibaly have also been linked, along with PSG's Presnel Kimpembe.