Chelsea ‘in pole position to sign 120m Serie A defender’
According to a source, Chelsea is first in line to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
The 22-year-old is a crucial component of Massimiliano Allegri’s defense, which has recently suffered from the loss of Giorgio Chiellini to Los Angeles of the MLS.
De Ligt’s Juventus contract is about to reach its final two years, and a number of parties with an interest in the matter are keeping a close eye on the situation.
The Dutch international also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of moving abroad, telling 90Min that talks were ongoing and that he would make a decision about whether to extend his contract or go elsewhere when the time came.
“I always look at what is best for myself in terms of sporting project. Fourth place, two years in a row, is not good enough. We will have to make steps in that direction. Personally, this was my best year so far. In terms of playing time and the way I played.
“The club have said that to me and I have shown this season, when Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were injured, what I am capable of. I had to take the lead and it went well. I think that’s the next step.”
De Ligt is thought to make €11 million (£9.5 million) a year in Turin, but a new contract, which wouldn’t expire until the summer of 2026, might bring him €8 million (£6.9 million) a year.
Juventus is also allegedly attempting to reduce his release clause, which teams would be able to exercise in 2023, from €120 million to €80 million (£68.9 million).