Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has all but confirmed they are resigned to losing Chelsea-bound Matthijs de Ligt this summer, while Nathan Ake could also be on his way back to Stamford Bridge.
Both Dutch defenders have been identified by manager Thomas Tuchel as his top priorities for this new-looking Chelsea defence as the pair are set to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Today (Thursday) is expected to be a key date for the de Ligt transfer saga, with both clubs reportedly set to meet to hash out the structure of the deal, with one of Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner expected to be added on top of a potential £60millio.
If the meeting was to go well, then a fee could potentially be agreed by the Serie A outfit but only on their terms, as their CEO alluded to when updating the Italian press on his club's stance regarding De Ligt. "It's impossible to keep players when they want to leave the club - but all the three parties in the negotiations have to be satisfied," Arrivabene told Italian media.
READ MORE: Chelsea news: Transfer meeting planned for Matthijs de Ligt as Nathan Ake price-tag revealed
It is understood that the American international would be the preferred option over Werner in this swap deal but the most important aspect of it all is that both options are still on the table. Regardless of what is to be agreed between the parties, former Juventus defender Luciano Moggi believes it is inevitable now that the former Ajax prodigy does become a new Premier League defender in the near future.
“I think Matthijs De Ligt needs to be sold if an offer of €70million (£60m) is received. I would also be looking at a player exchange with Chelsea," he told local radio outlet in Turin- Radio Bianconera.
So, the 22-year-old is expected to be competing in this newly formed backline alongside the likes of Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and a second recruit in the form of former Blues defender Ake, who is close to returning to west London after spells with Bournemouth and now, Manchester City.
This is because Calciomercato Journalist Matteo Moretto has reported that Chelsea and City are close to compromising on a £34.5m transfer fee for the 27-year-old, who is admired by Tuchel due to his versatility in being able to play in various different positions.
Chelsea fans- How excited are you to see both Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake move closer to signing for the club? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section!
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