Who would have thought that Chelsea would be involved in a transfer merry-go-round regarding both Matthijs de Ligt and Kalidou Koulibaly?
Two of Europe's elite central defenders are reportedly both keen to move on from their respective clubs this summer, with the former vying for the Premier League whilst the Senegalese is open to moving within Serie A if the right offer comes in from Juventus. The Old Lady have been busy sorting out Paul Pogba's return but now have another big situation that is currently unfolding in front of our eyes. Their number 4 de Ligt, who was expected to extend his current deal after opening new contract negotiations, is now set to walk away and demand a transfer exit with two years left on his remaining deal.
The only issue though is the £103million release clause which Juve can point towards as Chelsea reportedly only want to pay around £60m for the 22-year-old which could prove to be quite problematic in itself. Encouragingly, from the Blues' perspective though, it seems like all bridges have been burned between de Ligt and Juventus this summer which could then allow Todd Boehly to swoop in for a reduced price deal for the perfect Jules Kounde partner for 2022/23.
READ MORE: Matthijs De Ligt tells Chelsea why their Todd Boehly 'sporting project' gives them transfer hope
Alongside agreeing on a deal which has been a problem raised in various Italian outlets today, competition from Man United and Man City could prove problematic for the current World Champions who have the Kounde deal to get done amid worrying reports that they 'aren't willing' to meet Sevilla's £58m demands.
Although competition remains high between various Premier League clubs who would have been alerted about these contract breakdown talks, La Republica have reported that the Blues' verbal £60m proposal is the 'most concrete' option on the table that has been presented his agents' way.
Whilst there is a lot of work to do on this deal, a certain Juventus legend has predicted the best outcome for Chelsea in this situation. Former Icon Ciro Ferrara was quoted telling local radio station Tutti Convocati: "Matthijs de Ligt is an important player in defence, but if he wants to leave, then Juventus will not hold him against his will.”
Sorting out a replacement will be one of the big tasks lying ahead for Max Allegri's side and it seems as though another Chelsea target can play a big role in facilitating just this.
Edouard Mendy's international teammate Koulibaly is being viewed as the most prominent option to replace the Dutchman this summer, according to Tuttosport but it would cost around £36m for Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis to properly give consideration to the offer.
An offer which won't only have huge significance on the Blues' pursuit of de Ligt, but also on the future of the Naples head coach Luciano Spalletti who has reportedly threatened to quick if his best centre-half was to be moved on this summer.
Chelsea fans - if you could only pick one between Kalidou Koulibaly and Matthijs de Ligt, who would you sign? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section!
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