Christian Pulisic could play a major role in Chelsea completing the signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer. The 22-year-old centre-half has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with Thomas Tuchel eager to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
However, while a deal is yet to have materialised, it's said that either club are open to navigating various avenues in order to complete a transaction. And, according to Tuttosport, via Marca, Pulisic is of interest to the Italian giants amid the west Londoners' pursuit for De Ligt.
The report adds that Juventus would be open to discussing a swap deal with Chelsea to ensure that a transfer suits all parties involved. Tuttosport add that Juve would, hypothetically, receive Pulisic - or Timo Werner - plus cash in order for Chelsea to sign De Ligt.
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According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, Tuchel's side are leading the race to sign the centre-half. The report adds that De Ligt, who currently sees his deal with Juventus expire in 2024, has also courted the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United.
However, the Netherlands international is said to have entered talks with the Juventus over a new deal lately. 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. Unknown to Tuchel at the time, Rudiger and Christensen sought futures away from the club. It was only last month that the west Londoners reignited interest, according to Calciomercato.
Chelsea are said to be serious in their hopes of signing De Ligt 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.
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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