Chelsea have a secret weapon up their sleeve to help Thomas Tuchel beat Erik ten Hag to the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the west Londoners eager to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Blues are in pole position to sign the centre-half this summer, despite having already had an initial bid rejected. Chelsea offered Juve €45million (£38.9million) and Timo Werner in exchange for De Ligt, which was rebuffed.
The report adds that the Netherlands international, who currently sees his deal with Juventus expire in 2024, has also courted the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United. Erik ten Hag's side are believed to be ready to throw their hat in the ring and contest De Ligt's future.
