Chelsea have been given a boost in their transfer pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt as the Italian outfit target a potential defensive replacement.
football.london understands that the Blues held talks with Juventus over a potential move for De Ligt, but there hasn't been a formal bid from Chelsea yet. Bayern Munich are also in the race for the Dutch defender, but aren't willing to meet Juve's asking price of around £65million.
Another defender that has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly, although he is not currently on the Blues' shortlist for defensive targets, football.london understands.
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According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Juventus director Federico Cherubini has met with Koulibaly's agents to discuss a potential move to Turin. The Senegal international only has one year remaining on his current deal in Naples and there is little evidence that a renewal is close between the player and club.
Chelsea are expected to complete their first summer signing with the imminent arrival of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling. The England international has agreed personal terms with the Blues and is ready to complete the move, a deal which could see him become the highest earner at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel is in need of defensive additions to his squad following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer. Todd Boehly is set to significantly back Tuchel as Chelsea head into a crucial summer, with the club looking to close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Other targets that are on Chelsea's defensive shortlist include City's Nathan Ake, who could return to Stamford Bridge this summer, as well as Presnel Kimpembe and Milan Skriniar.
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