The choice for Antonio Rudiger's long-term replacement has been whittled down to just two candidates- Matthijs de Ligt or Milan Skriniar?
Both Serie A options are reportedly both open for new challenges elsewhere this summer but only one if negotiations go well, will be donning the Blue of Chelsea next season as Thomas Tuchel demands a big character and personality from the pair if they were to be suitable Rudiger heirs. Initially, de Ligt to Chelsea seemed more likely with Juventus open to cashing in if the offer was right. On top of this, the Old Lady's interest in Timo Werner made this deal seem inevitable. However, the latest updates on the deal from Gianluca Di Marzio are slightly worrying. His latest reports indicate that despite more talks being scheduled for the next few days, 'no progress' was made in finding a compromise on the fee.
Juventus want close to £60m for de Ligt with Werner on top whilst Chelsea are happy for the same type of transfer operation but £20m. cheaper than what the Serie A outfit are demanding. This type of deadlock is forcing new owner Todd Boehly to. keep his options open. With Man City's Nathan Ake wanted as the Premier League-proven option and Jules Kounde still possible after a recent U-turn, you would assume that those would be the only alternatives as two new centre-backs are wanted this summer. But, Tuchel's plans with the Frenchman, in particular, of wanting to play him at right-wing-back initially means that more centre-backs need to be looked at if de Ligt was to be eventually priced out of a Premier League move.
READ MORE: Matthijs de Ligt signs, Jules Kounde U-turn, Jonathan Clauss in: Chelsea's dream £138m defence
Step up Inter Milan's Skriniar and despite strong Paris Saint-Germain interest which has already culminated in many bids already being rejected by Internazionale as they hold out for somewhere nearer £68m, the current World Champions are said to be 'serious' about signing the Antonio Conte favourite but they will have to move quickly if they were to beat the Parisians in this transfer race.
Di Marzio added in his report that negotiations started on Monday between Chelsea and Inter Milan with the clubs potentially on the verge of striking their second deal together after Romelu Lukaku's loan itself is expected to be announced later this week.
Whether or not the Blues are wanting to attach their names to Skriniar just to worry Juve and try and lower their demands that way remains to be seen but with of Chelsea or PSG will be encouraged by the transfer hint the Serie A runner-ups have dropped.
According to La Repubblica, Fiorentina's Milenkovic is being lined up for a potential Serie A switch if one of the 27-year-old or teammate Stefan de Vrij were to be sold this summer.
Chelsea fans- Who would you rather the club sign and why- Milan Skriniar or Matthijs de Ligt? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comments section
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