Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt's stance on a summer transfer switch to Chelsea has been revealed.
The Blues are desperate to bring in new faces in defence following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen after their contracts in west London expired. De Ligt has emerged as Thomas Tuchel's top target – and it seems the Dutchman is open to the idea of joining the Stamford Bridge club.
It comes as new owner Todd Boehly has continued his restructure behind the scenes. And Leeds United winger Raphinha's representatives are reportedly refusing to negotiate with Chelsea as he looks to push through a move to Spanish giants Barcelona instead.
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De Ligt's transfer stance
Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is playing his part to set up a blockbuster transfer switch to Chelsea this summer.
The Dutchman has a £102million release clause in his contract at the Italian giants, although the Blues are reportedly unwilling to go as high as that price. An opening offer of £35million plus Timo Werner has been rejected by Juve, although the Italian outfit may be willing to do business if the deal includes Christian Pulisic instead.
And if an an agreement is made between the two clubs a deal could move quite quickly, with De Ligt open to the move.
Boehly continues his shake-up
Former Manchester City executive Tom Glick will join Chelsea’s new off-field set-up as new owner Todd Boehly continues his restructure of the club.
Glick stepped down from his role as president at NFL franchise the Carolina Panthers in February, and has now been lined up to join the Blues. He is expected to handle the day-to-day running of the club, in a role that should see him effectively replace the recently departed chief executive Guy Laurence.
Raphinha 'refusing to negotiate deal'
Leeds United winger Raphinha has reportedly told his representatives to halt discussions with Chelsea in a bid to push through his move to Barcelona.
The Blues have agreed a fee for the Brazilian with Leeds in the region of £60million, although the player appears to have his heart set on a move to Barca. And in a bid to ensure his dream switch goes ahead, he has reportedly told his agent Deco to stop negotiating with the Blues.
That could leave him in a tricky situation should Barcelona fail to raise enough funds to push through the signing, should the Blues move on to pursue other targets.
