Chelsea have a secret weapon up their sleeve to help Thomas Tuchel beat Erik ten Hag to the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the west Londoners eager to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, the Blues are in pole position to sign the centre-half this summer, despite having already had an initial bid rejected. Chelsea offered Juve €45million (£38.9million) and Timo Werner in exchange for De Ligt, which was rebuffed.
The report adds that the Netherlands international, who currently sees his deal with Juventus expire in 2024, has also courted the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United. Erik ten Hag's side are believed to be ready to throw their hat in the ring and contest De Ligt's future.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly Chelsea takeover agreement gives Thomas Tuchel La Liga transfer mission green light
However, the defender is said to have entered talks with the Italian giants 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.
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 in Turin 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.
Chelsea are said to be serious in their mission to sign De Ligt this summer and that developments are expected shortly. Winning the defender's signature could now be more important than first thought, with increasing doubt regarding Jules Kounde's future.
Thankfully for the Blues, the club has a secret weapon which could ward off competition from Old Trafford - Christian Pulisic. The United States winger is reportedly of interest to Juventus and could prove a pivotal makeweight.
But, regardless of who Todd Boehly signs this summer, Tuchel is keen to undergo a rebuild at Chelsea. Speaking to football.london, the Blues boss said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
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