Romano confirms Chelsea are ‘genuinely interested’ in signing 22-year-old defender

Transfer News: Chelsea genuinely interested in Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt

According to reliable transfer news journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are said to be ‘genuinely’ interested in Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman has two years remaining on his current contract.

Juventus are said to be asking for a huge fee as contract talks between the player and club have stalled. De Ligt joined the Turin-based club in 2019 from Ajax in a deal worth £67million.

Romano adds that the club is also interested in Jules Kounde of Sevilla and Nathan Ake of Manchester City- with the Dutchman already playing for the Blues before his move to Bournemouth.

He has a £103million release clause in his contract which expires in 2024, and Juventus are believed to entertain offers close to the figure. At 22, he still has a long way to go before he hits his peak as a footballer.

First singing of the new era?

Chelsea are going through a squad overhaul this summer, with Thomas Tuchel leading the charge. The Blues are yet to sign a player, but have seen players depart.

The defence is in dire need of reinforcements and Chelsea have been linked with players to fill that position. Jules Kounde is one such player. The departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen has left a hole to be filled at the back.

De Ligt would be an exceptional signing as the young defender has amassed huge playing experience at such a short age. He could not only be a signing for this summer, but can continue to lead the back-line for years to come if comes to SW6..

However, he will not come cheap and Chelsea will have to play their cards right if they want to seal a good deal for the Dutchman. Should the Blues secure his signature, it would send a clear message to their other rivals that the new era does not change the competitive nature of the club.

Chelsea fans would love to see him sign. Apart from his exceptionally good defending capabilities, he is also a leader on the pitch. Maybe he could go on to lead the Blues out of the tunnel at Stamford Bridge someday.

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After all, he was the leader of a very young and talented Ajax side that was only stopped in their pursuit of the 2019 UEFA Champions League final by Tottenham Hotspur. His maturity as a defender is well beyond his age and in de Ligt, Tuchel would be making a signing for the present and the future.