Chelsea are in the race to sign Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer but Bayern Munich appear to be leading the race for his signature according to latest reports.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have both departed on free transfers this summer leaving Thomas Tuchel light on defensive options. Marcos Alonso could also be on the way out leaving new chairman Todd Boehly with plenty of work to do at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Jules Kounde was previously reported to be their number one choice at the back but De Ligt had seemingly overtaken the Frenchman in Chelsea's list of priorities. The Blues have even made their first offer to the Dutchman in terms of personal terms too with Juventus open to selling for around £70 million.
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A report from German outlet Sport1 has revealed that De Ligt has a 'firm verbal agreement' in place with Bundesliga giants Bayern this summer as they continue to negotiate a transfer fee. Julian Nagelsmann has already brought Sadio Mane to the club and now has his eyes set on a marquee transfer at the back.
Their report states that Bayern were one of the clubs leading the charge for De Ligt alongside Juventus when he left Ajax back in the summer of 2019. But the Germans have kept in touch with the 22-year-old since and that has impressed the player when it has come to choosing his next destination.
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