Chelsea reportedly are having fears of missing out on Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt. However, amid fears over De Ligt, Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.
Nathan Ake has previously played for Chelsea before moving to Bournemouth. The Blues currently want to sign one of the center-backs to replace Antonio Rudiger who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
CHELSEA AND MATTHIJS DE LIGT TRANSFER LINKS FULL STORY
Matthijs De Ligt has recently emerged as one of Chelsea primary defensive targets. However, the Blues are now set to face competition from German giants Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old could cost around £68.9m. They reportedly want him to replace Niklas Süle who has joined Borussia Dortmund According to reports, Bayern have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign De Ligt. However, Matthijs De Ligt prefers a move to Chelsea.
The report also states that head coach Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic have held talks with the Netherlands international over a proposed switch to Allianz Arena. The interest is likely to trigger a bidding war between Chelsea and Bayern for De Ligt. Matthijs De Ligt reportedly wants to leave Italian giants as he has already rejected contract offers from the club amid interest from Chelsea.
ALL FOCUS TURNS TO THE SITUATION OF NATHAN AKE AT MANCHESTER CITY
The report also adds that the Blues will now turn their attention to re-signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City. Manchester City values the defender in excess of £50m. The player in recent press conferences has confirmed he would like to stay at the club. This is likely to complicate the negotiations over personal terms.
He told NOS: “Last season was very unhappy due to injuries, I don’t really count that year. This season I was really 100 percent present and I played more. You notice an improvement in yourself, and how you play. I felt good. Chelsea are also interested in signing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City The negotiations for the forward has reached an advanced stage. The club are also keeping tabs on Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard.
Tuchel is expected to recruit at least one central defender this summer. This signing will replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen who have left for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Chelsea are yet to make a signing this summer transfer window. Although, Chelsea prioritise signing of De Ligt.
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