Chelsea: Boehly could make 'huge statement' with £63m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s potential signing of Juventus and Netherlands centre-back Matthijs de Ligt would be a “huge statement of intent” according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been linked with a move for the defender over the past few weeks.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are pursuing a deal for the former Ajax centre-back, with a potential player plus cash deal being offered, with Christian Pulisic being the player to head to Turin.

The same report also suggests that Timo Werner had also been discussed in a potential swap deal, but the Serie A club would entertain a move for Pulisic rather than the German striker.

According to Tuttosport (via Fabrizio Romano), Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has said: “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,” potentially hinting at a departure for the £63m-rated man.

Todd Boehly will be looking to provide Tuchel with the funds to begin a rebuild of the west London side this year, with no less than seven players having left the club so far this summer, according to Transfermarkt.

And O’Rourke believes that the signing of de Ligt could send a message out to the public about Boehly’s ownership.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “If Chelsea were to meet that and spend over £100m on de Ligt, that would be a huge statement of intent from Chelsea.

“It does seem like Todd Boehly is trying to mix things up at Stamford Bridge right now, and he’s putting his money where his mouth is and backing Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea fans would be delighted if they could secure the signing of one of Europe’s hottest centre-back prospects, and at the age of 22 de Ligt, who has been described as “superb” by Mina