Transfer Update: Mino Raiola provides massive update on Juventus ace Matthijs de Ligt amidst links to Chelsea
Speaking to Dutch newspaper NRC, as quoted by The Sun, Mino Raiola has hinted that his client, Matthijs de Ligt, is ready to leave Juventus amidst transfer interest from Chelsea.
The centre-back joined the Old Lady from Ajax in the summer of 2019. Since then, he has helped them win the Scudetto and is now a key part of the rebuild under Massimiliano Allegri. However, he could be heading for the exit door soon, with Chelsea interested in signing him.
The Blues currently have four soon to be out-of-contract defenders in their squad. Antonio Rudiger looks set to leave while Thiago Silva is holding off on talks about a possible return to boyhood club Fluminense. Cesar Azpilicueta also looks determined on moving to Barcelona move while the Blues are yet to tie down Andreas Christensen to a new deal.
Thus, signing De Ligt becomes a no-brainer, especially given his age and potential. The player’s agent, Mino Raiola, has now handed his client’s suitors a massive boost by revealing that the Dutch international is ready to take a new step in his career.
“(Matthijs De Ligt) is ready for a new step… he thinks that too.”
One of the best young defenders in world football, De Ligt can become a long term solution for Chelsea at the back. There are few better players available in the same age profile and ability.
Time to bring in young blood?
Rudiger will turn 30 by the end of next season, while Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are already well into their thirties. Thus, if Marina Granovskaia does plan on offloading them, it could be time to bring in some young blood.
The Juventus star certainly lives up to the billing, thanks to his performances in the Netherlands and now in Italy. He won the Golden Boy award during his time at Ajax Amsterdam and has become a regular starter under Allegri. In doing so, the 22-year-old has also played alongside some of the best defenders in the world.
Moreover, he has a ton of experience at a very young age and could become a mainstay in our squad for over a decade, given the shelf life of defenders. However, it remains to be seen whether Juventus are open to letting their prized asset leave.
More Chelsea News
- Transfer News: Chelsea set to face competition from Manchester United for Jules Kounde
- Chelsea set to battle with Newcastle United and Leicester City for Lucas Digne
- Thomas Tuchel provides injury update on Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Trevoh Chalobah after the 0-0 draw against Wolves
Mino Raiola is a clever negotiator and often lands his client their desired move. If Chelsea hope to be in the running, they need to present the super-agent and the centre-back with a lucrative and convincing project. Whether it will be enough to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge remains to be seen.
