Thomas Tuchel has been handed a major boost towards securing the signing of Matthijs de Ligt this summer. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the west Londoners eager to replace the departing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, the west Londoners are leading the race to sign the centre-half. The report adds that De Ligt, who currently sees his deal with the Old Lady expire in 2024, has also courted the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United.
However, the Netherlands international is said to have entered talks with the Juventus over a new deal. And while it may come as an initial blow, reports from Italy have clarified that, should he pen a new contract in Turin, the current €120million (£103m) release clause would be lowered.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can repeat Juan Mata transfer trick to start Chelsea rebuild with £34m double deal
The report does not outline what the new fee will be, though a lower clause will come as a major boost for Chelsea should they pull the trigger on a move. But, as it stands, should the Dutchman not pen a new deal and choose to stay at the Old Lady next season, his release clause will reportedly increase to €140million (£121.2m).
De Ligt was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in January, but a move failed to materialise. The Blues were 'willing to go crazy' in their efforts to lure the defender, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
But, not unbeknown to Tuchel at the time, Rudiger and Christensen sought futures away from the club. It was only last month that the Blues reignited interest, according to Calciomercato.
Chelsea are said to be serious in their hopes of signing De Ligt and that developments are expected shortly. Winning the defender's signature could now be more important than first thought, with Jules Kounde set to undergo surgery on a hamstring injury.
So, before the west Londoners commit to a deal, the club will want to be sure that the money spent is well invested - especially on a player brought in to fill the shoes of Rudiger. Former Juventus midfielder Mauro Camoranesi has claimed that De Ligt would be 'better suited' to the Premier League than the Serie A, handing the Blues the reassurance they may need.
As quoted by Football Italia, the former Italy international said: "De Ligt is an extraordinary player with an enormous future ahead of him. It's true, he makes mistakes, but what defender doesn't? I see him better suited to the Premier League than Serie A, a competition where there are more individual duels than in Italy."
