Chelsea are interested in signing Juventus centre back Matthijs de Ligt.
The Lowdown: Centre Back Crisis
The Blues are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen will leave Thomas Tuchel’s side in the summer, with both their contracts expiring.
This leaves 38-year-old Thiago Silva, 32-year-old Cesar Azpilicueta – who could also reportedly leave in the summer – Malang Sarr, and Trevoh Chalobah as their only centre-backs, unless signings are made.
The Latest: Chelsea want De Ligt
talkSPORT transfer insider Alex Crook has claimed that the west London club are looking to the 22-year-old, as well as Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, to bolster their defensive depth.
Crook said:
“Sources in Italy are suggesting that Chelsea are interested in Matthijs de Ligt at Juventus.
“I think that Jules Kounde is their top target, I would expect that to happen, but they probably do need more than one.”
The Verdict: Chelsea Must Get Him
The Netherlands international has been an important part of Juventus’ team this season, having the most starts in Serie A for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Ajax’s former captain leads his side in clearances, and is in the top five for The Old Lady for blocks, tackles, and interceptions, as per FBRef.
He also contributes at the other end, having the highest pass accuracy for anyone at the Italian club with more than 15 starts, and is only behind Danilo in the number of passes he makes per game (via WhoScored).
The £63m-rated colossus has been previously praised as an “absolute monster” by journalist Carlo Garganese and Dutch legend Jaap Stam calling the Ajax Academy graduate a “world-class player”.
“His performances are continuous and reliable. He is a bright, intelligent guy, you can clearly see that he is different from the Matthijs who arrived three years ago from Ajax. He is often judged as a veteran, but let’s not forget who is only 22 years old.”
“He is a world-class player.”
When you have the opportunity to sign a player of De Ligt’s quality it is something worth doing. When you also need players in that area, as Chelsea do with centre backs, it makes it a no-brainer.
AND in other news, Bye-bye Lukaku: Chelsea “could move” for £27m-rated dynamo who’s “better than Neymar”…
