CHELSEA could look elsewhere rather than restarting their Jules Kounde pursuit this summer.
Chelsea could have the opportunity to sign an ideal alternative to Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde this summer. Reports in Italy claim Juventus are ready to sell Matthijs de Ligt, and their stance has put some of Europe’s biggest heavyweights on notice.
Chelsea spent a large chunk of last summer attempting to lure Kounde to Stamford Bridge to bolster Thomas Tuchel’s defence.
Some reports suggested a deal to sign the 23-year-old was almost completed before Sevilla raised their £42million (€50m) valuation.
Tuchel was left with no defensive signings, and now Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger have entered the final five months of their contracts.
But a prime opportunity to strengthen at the back may have arisen in the form of one of Europe’s most promising young centre-halves.
According to La Republicca, Juventus are willing to offload De Ligt in the summer and will accept a £14m loss.
In 2019, The Old Lady signed him as a teenager from Ajax in a £68million deal, and he has made 98 appearances since.
But just three years later, Juventus have set an asking price worth £54m and would be happy to part ways with De Ligt.
And Chelsea are ready to battle Barcelona and Bayern Munich for his services, as Tuchel eyes defensive reinforcements
Antonio Conte also wants to strengthen his back three and could identify De Ligt as a primary target at the end of the season.
But he may favour a move to a more established Champions League contender in Chelsea, should the Blues form a suitable approach.
The 22-year-old poses as an exciting alternative to Kounde, which could help avoid another drawn-out saga with a club growing a reputation for their stubborn negotiating
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