Chelsea are making progress in their pursuit for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, with the most recent developments being reported.
The 22-year-old has been identified as the priority target in central defence this summer by Thomas Tuchel’s side.
It was previously reported that Jules Kounde was the main target but following Marina Granovskaia’s departure, De Ligt has leapfrogged the French international in terms of priorities.
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It looks increasingly likely that the Dutch defender will depart Juventus this summer.
Speaking during the international break at the end of last season, De Ligt criticised the sporting project in Turin and hinted at a departure.
He said: "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.
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"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."
In recent days Chelsea have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of the centre back as Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene admitted that it is looking likely that they will lose the defender.
When asked about De Ligt, he admitted: “It's impossible to keep players when they want to leave the club - but all the three parties in the negotiations have to be satisfied.”
There have been significant updates regarding the move on Thursday.
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Matt Law of the Telegraph reported that De Ligt is keen on a move to Chelsea.
Juventus have ‘softened their demands’ in recent days and could allow him to leave Turin.
Furthermore, Chelsea are preparing to offer Christian Pulisic or Timo Werner in exchange for the 22-year-old.
Todd Boehly’s side are hoping that using a player in the deal will lower Juventus’ valuation.
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It was previously stated that Juventus will be looking for around €70-80 million for their centre-back, as well as the inclusion of Werner in a deal.
Chelsea will hope that the player’s stance could see the price drop even more as they look to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer.
Juventus are already seeking a replacement for the defender too, with Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe linked by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
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A whole host of names have been linked with a move to Chelsea, also, including Nathan Ake, Jules Kounde, Milan Skriniar and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Tuchel is looking to add at least two central defenders to his side ahead of next season, with De Ligt edging closer to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Matthijs De Ligt, Juventus, Transfers, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms