Matthijs de Ligt could join Chelsea if all parties ‘satisfied’: Juventus CEO

Juventus may have signalled their intention to sell star centre-back Matthijs de Ligt to Chelsea in a massive boost to Thomas Tuchel’s plans to rebuild the team ahead of the next Premier League season.

The massive news came from Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene, who, in an interview with Turin-based paper Tuttosport, said, “It’s impossible to keep players when they want to leave the club – but all the three parties in the negotiations have to be satisfied,” when quizzed about de Ligt’s future amid rumours of a move to London.

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Chelsea, who are reportedly on the verge of signing Leeds winger Raphinha and are pursuing Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, indeed have an urgent need to bring in defenders this summer.

On the back of the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Tuchel has reportedly set his sights on de Ligt and City centre-back Nathan Ake.

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While Chelsea are believed to be in talks with both City and Juventus for the pair, de Ligt’s transfer is likely to be the more complicated one, given the Dutchman’s importance at Juventus.

Whereas Ake has yet to solidify his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI and may be looking for a change to get more game time, de Ligt has been a central figure in the Juventus defence since joining the club for €85 million in 2019, and his responsibilities were also expected to increase following the exit of legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini.

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While de Ligt himself has reportedly requested a move away from the Serie A this summer, the question of his price tag still remains.

With a reported release clause of a whopping €115 million, there are not many clubs in the world who can afford to sign the Dutchman. Although Chelsea are reportedly in the lead to sign de Ligt, if he moves, this summer, it remains to be seen whether the Blues will be willing to break the bank for the 22-year-old.