Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, with Bayern Munich entering the race this summer.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Thomas Tuchel’s side identified him as their priority this summer.
It was reported that Chelsea were preparing a €70 million bid for the Dutch defender as Tuchel has given the green light to a transfer.
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De Ligt is said to be impressed with the way in which Tuchel helps to bring the best out of defenders and is open to a move this summer.
However, the Blues have now been dealt a huge blow as they looked to bring De Ligt to Stamford Bridge.
As reported by Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich wish to sign the Chelsea target this summer.
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Furthermore, De Ligt wants to join the German giants as talks remain ongoing between the clubs.
These talks are said to have been going ‘good’ as Chelsea could be handed yet another blow in the transfer window.
After agreeing a fee for Leeds United star Raphinha, the Blues were dealt a blow as it was reported that he prefers a move to Barcelona this summer.
And now it appears that De Ligt also prefers a move elsewhere, putting Bayern ahead of Chelsea in his list of priorities, as reported by Sky Germany.
Julian Nagelsman has convinced the defender of the project at Bayern and could be set to make their move for him.
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Despite this, Chelsea are said to be ‘still involved intensively’ and believe that Bayern have no chance to sign him due to the high cost.
Juventus are likely to be willing to negotiate for €80 million, with a transfer fee of more than €60 million potentially being a problem for Bayern Munich.
It was previously revealed that the Italians will be looking for the inclusion of Timo Werner in a deal, which could hand Chelsea a boost.
It remains to be seen as to where De Ligt will end up this summer, with Chelsea and Bayern looking set for a transfer battle for the Dutch defender.
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With Bayern already completing the signings of former Ajax pair Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui this summer, De Ligt could opt to join the pair in Germany.
The trio are said to be ‘friends’, and this could also play a factor in Bayern’s pursuit of De Ligt.
Chelsea are searching for defensive reinforcements after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and this latest blow will be unwelcomed by the Blues.
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Benjamin Pavard is said to be wanted by the Blues this summer if they miss out on De Ligt.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Matthijs De Ligt, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms