Transfer window: Chelsea increasingly confident of signing Matthijs de Ligt

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 2022/23 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 securing his services.

It is no secret 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, Manchester 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 Manchester 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.