Matthijs de Ligt during his time at Ajax. (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
According to Italian journalist Giacomo Iacobellis (h/t Daily Express), Juventus are relying on their pursuit to attract Kalidou Koulibaly in order to replace Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt.
There is no doubt that Chelsea have to add centre-backs if they want to even compete next year. The Blues are in dire need of replacements after a number of prominent players left the club this summer and possibly more can follow.
In recent weeks, Chelsea have been linked with a variety of centre-backs, with Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus being one of the most prominent targets. The Dutchman, who is considered one of Italy’s top young centre-backs, would not be inexpensive.
However, now it is believed that Juventus might be reluctant to part with De Ligt this summer unless they can replace him with Koulibaly.
But Barcelona are also interested in Koulibaly and if the Catalan club becomes successful in their desire to land the Senegalese, it would be a huge blow to Chelsea’s transfer pursuit.
There are currently just four potential centre-backs for Chelsea to choose from for the upcoming season due to the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Cesar Azpilicueta, our captain, is one of them who also seems to be interested in leaving Stamford Bridge.
Ageing Thiago Silva and the inexperienced Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr are our other possibilities. We must immediately bring in at least two capable centre-backs who can contribute from the start of the upcoming season.
De Ligt could be the ideal addition to the group. Leading Ajax to a UEFA Champions League semi-final some three years back as their captain, the Dutchman displayed that he has what it takes to lead an elite backline.
If our interest becomes reality, the Serie A defender will be able to man our defensive line for years to come. There isn’t much time left before the campaign gets underway.
If possible, Thomas Tuchel should have these additions before the start of preseason; otherwise, it will be a race against time to integrate them into the squad and the German manager’s system prior to the start of the regular campaign.
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