Juventus are ready to sell Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to the latest reports.
Despite still being only 22 years of age, the centre-back is considered to be one of the best in the world in his position, and he is likely to attract significant interest from some of Europe's top clubs this summer, including Chelsea.
The Blues are at risk of losing three of Thomas Tuchel's strongest centre-back options for free in the next transfer window, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta's contracts all running out in the summer and seemingly little progress on any of the trio agreeing new deals.
Although it's unlikely that all three will leave at the same time, Chelsea will need to strengthen their central defence in the near future, and alongside Jules Kounde, De Ligt has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time.
Now, if reports are to be believed, the Blues will be put on red alert as they finally have an opportunity to sign the Dutchman.
According to Sport Mediaset, via Chelsea News, Juventus are now willing to negotiate a sale for De Ligt.
The player is also said to be interested in moving away from Turin and as per the report, he's ‘flattered’ by the interest from Chelsea, as well as La Liga giants Barcelona.
His agent, Mino Raiola, admitted in December that his client could move on in the near future, and he would consider signing for a club in the Premier League.
"We can all think of the clubs that Matthijs could go to," he said, as cited by the Metro.
"Then you don’t talk about Fortuna Dusseldorf with all due respect. In the summer we have to see if there are clubs on the market.
"That can be the Premier League, but also Barcelona, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain."
Signing De Ligt would be a big statement from Chelsea, as the Blues look to challenge for another Premier League title in the coming seasons.
