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Football London
Football London
Sport
Charlie Wilson

Chelsea 'start process' for Matthijs de Ligt transfer as Frenkie de Jong opportunity arises

Whether Chelsea dip into the January transfer market in the next few days remains to be seen.

The Blues are, according to multiple outlets, at the very least looking to add a full-back to their squad with a host of injuries at the position.

But it's not just that position where Marina Granovskaia could strengthen Thomas Tuchel's squad.

Chelsea have shown that they're always willing to buy in January should the right deal become available.

New players are being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge almost every day, while there's already plenty of talk orientating around potential summer business.

Chelsea are almost certain to be in the market for a centre-back this summer, with four current defenders contracts set to expire.

One player who they're likely to target is Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt, with La Repubblica reporting that Chelsea have already started business to secure his signing.

Seen as the next Sergio Ramos when he signed for Juventus for £75million in 2020, De Ligt had some struggles after arriving in Italy.

Some have questioned whether his head has been turned ahead of a potential move this summer, with Chelsea strongly linked to his signing.

Juventus are set to spend around £62million on Fiorentina striker and Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic, and will look to recoup some of his fee, potentially by selling De Ligt.

Elsewhere, La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Chelsea are looking to sign Barcelona midfielder (and former teammate of De Ligt) Frenkie de Jong, amid speculation linking Jorginho with Juventus.

Barcelona are in dire straits financially and are looking to offload some of their top earners as Xavi rebuilds the squad. It is claimed De Jong could be available for a cut-price fee.

Finally, another Premier League side have been linked with Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who is currently on loan at Southampton.

Southampton and West Ham are both reportedly interested in signing Broja permanently, and now Tuttomercatoweb are reporting that Leeds United have joined the race for his signature.

A fee of around £33million has been discussed, with the 20-year-old enjoying an impressive season with the Saints.

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