Reports from Italy suggest Matthijs de Ligt still prefers a move to Chelsea this summer, despite Bayern Munich entering the race for the Dutchman.
According to DiMarzio, the 22-year-old is Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice defensive signing as they look to rebuild their fractured backline.
The Blues have made their interest in the Dutchman known, reportedly entering negotiations with Juventus over a possible transfer.
It has been speculated that the Blues are even considering offering players for the Old Lady, with Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner believed to be among the stars who could be involved.
A player to watch for all 32 World Cup teams
However, reports suggest the selling club would prefer a cash deal, with the Blues reportedly offering over £60million for De Ligt.
German champions Bayern have since entered the fray, with the club looking to add to Sadio Mane’s impressive kick.
These reports seemed worrying at first, with Chelsea potentially on the verge of missing out.
De Ligt chooses Chelsea
But the latest update claims De Ligt has decided he wants a Premier League move which keeps Tuchel’s side in pole position to get his man.
It has also been suggested that Julian Nagelsmann’s side could struggle to keep up with Chelsea’s financial power, following guarantees from Tuchel’s summer war chest.
The report goes on to say that it’s unclear if De Ligt would even agree to a move to Bayern, with a move to England apparently more likely.
The deal would be the perfect way for the Blues to announce their intentions ahead of next season, with the centre-backs’ desperation becoming increasingly evident among the fans.
With the departure of Antonio Rudiger in particular, last season’s much-loved backline has been decimated and the need for necessary replacements is essential.
With incredible experience at the age of 22, he is also the perfect role model for young Blues Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill to break into the first team at such a young age.
