De Ligt finally responds to Chelsea links, as Tuchel crucial to transfer
While on vacation in Greece, Matthijs de Ligt reacted to a Chelsea supporter who asked if he would be moving to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 22-year-old is prepared to leave the Old Lady, and should he decide to move during the summer transfer window, Chelsea would seem to be in the lead for his services.
At Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel is considering a defensive rebuild after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s contracts expired and they were lost.
“We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge,” said the Blues boss.
However, Targets have been identified and De Ligt is the priority for the Blues at the back.
Tuchel sees the Dutch international as a key to his backline and wants to bring him to west London, along with Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, who the club have been quoted in excess of £50 million for.
De Ligt has a release clause in his contract which runs until 2024 which is worth in the region of £100 million, with the 22-year-old hoping for it to be lowered.
The Dutchman is ready to leave and is open to joining Chelsea, as per reports, which is likely to see Juventus soften their demands for the defender.
Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner have both been offered as options in a player-plus-cash deal should Juventus and Chelsea come to an agreement over a transfer.
According to a fresh report from Nick Purewal, De Ligt is thought to be impressed by Tuchel getting the best of out defenders and helping the likes of Antonio Rudiger thrive, which has put the Blues in the lead for his signature.
Talks remain ongoing and although there is no agreement in place, Chelsea are confident on landing the Juventus defender.
De Ligt is currently holidaying in Greece as he rests and re-energises ahead of the new season and potentially in new surroundings.
Amid all the speculation over his future, he bumped into a Chelsea fan who quizzed him over his future.
He was asked if he would join Chelsea – his response, while laughing, was: “I do not know, we will see!”