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| Matthijs de Ligt of Netherlands Controls the ball during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Netherlands and Montenegro at Philips Stadion on September 4, 2021 in Eindhoven, . |
Chelsea are growing confident of their chances to
sign Juventus superstar Matthijs de Ligt despite interest from Manchester
United.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea are stepping up their efforts to sign
Matthijs de Ligt ahead of the new season. They are expected to come up with a
new offer of around €70 million for the Juventus defender, with the confidence
growing in in the Chelsea camp over their chances of sealing the deal in the
coming weeks.
Juventus are aware that de Ligt is unsettled in
Turin after the team failed to compete for the Serie A title twice in a row. He
has also refused to accept the new terms offered by the club, which had lowered
the player’s current salary in Turin. The defender, as such, is looking for
pastures new, with Chelsea among the clubs keen on his services.
It is no secret coach Thomas Tuchel is a massive
admirer of de Ligt. The German tactician wants to incorporate the former Ajax
starlet into his new-look defence after the club had to part ways with Antonio
Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. There are no guarantees over the futures of
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso either, amid interest from Barcelona.
In light of the massive defensive exodus, Tuchel
believes de Ligt has what it takes to emerge as a future leader of the Chelsea
defence. However, despite their confidence, luring the Dutchman to Stamford
Bridge will not be an easy task as Chelsea also face stiff competition from
Manchester United.
With Eric Bailly being subjected to a move away from
Old Trafford, Man United are in the market for a new centre-back. De Ligt has
been identified as the ideal choice for Erik ten Hag, who has worked with the
22-year-old during their time together at Ajax. Ten Hag’s role, in fact, had
been critical behind de Ligt’s rapid rise to prominence and the new Man United
is keen on a reunion ahead of the new season.
In addition to Manchester United, Manchester City
are involved in the race as well, with Juventus open to a player plus cash deal involving Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr
Zinchenko.
Chelsea, though, remain in pole position to sign the
Dutchman as they have the cash to burn following a takeover, and with several star
defenders leaving the club, the Blues should not flinch about spending big
money to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
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