Chelsea get major Matthijs de Ligt boost with Juventus ready to change their demands

Chelsea are making good progress in their negotiations to sign Matthijs de Ligt with Juventus softening their demands for the defender.

The Blues are out to sign at least two defenders this summer following the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger and are in talks to sign both de Ligt and Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.

Juventus have already turned down Chelsea’s offer of €40m (£34.4m) plus Timo Werner for the Netherlands international.

The Dutchman is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and while Juventus had wanted his £102m clause to be met, The Telegraph claim the will of the player is forcing that valuation down.

Chelsea are also prepared to offer Werner or Christian Pulisic as part of the deal.

Juventus meanwhile have made it clear that they will not hold onto a player who is not 100 percent committed.

CEO Maurizio Arrivabene 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.’

Talks for de Ligt are progressing well with the Blues also hopeful of signing their former youngster Ake his City teammate Raheem Sterling.

Chelsea are optimistic of signing the England international who has just one year left on his deal at the Etihad and have also agreed a fee with Leeds United for Raphinha.

Barcelona however are hopeful of hijacking the move for the Brazil international, with latest reports claiming the Spanish side now have the funds available to match Chelsea’s offer.

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