Chelsea's Matthijs de Ligt negotiations progressing

Chelsea’s negotiations with Juventus over a move for Matthijs de Ligt are progressing with talks continuing regarding a return to Stamford Bridge for Nathan Ake.

As Chelsea wait to find out if Raphinha will agree to move from Leeds United in a £55million, plus add-ons, move or hold out for a switch to Barcelona, Chelsea are working hard on their other targets.

Fresh talks have taken place regarding Raheem Sterling ahead of an anticipated bid, while De Ligt and Ake are high on Chelsea’s immediate agenda.

Given the takeover of the club forced Chelsea into a position of having to play catch-up on their rivals, there would be a sense of satisfaction if the club could complete at least three of the four deals they are most actively working on relatively swiftly. It would also allow some breathing space before using the second half of the summer transfer window to then pursue other targets.

De Ligt is understood to be keen on the prospect of moving to Chelsea and Juventus are believed to have softened their demands in recent days, which makes the prospect of a transfer more realistic.

Juventus had wanted the £102million clause in De Ligt’s contract fulfilled, but the will of the player is set to force that valuation down and Chelsea are also prepared to allow Christian Pulisic or Timo Werner to move in the opposite direction.

De Ligt could form part of a new-look central defence with Ake, who Chelsea are likely to have to pay more than £40m to re-sign from Manchester City. 

There have been claims that City also want a replacement lined up before allowing Ake to leave, but that has not dampened Chelsea’s interest as yet with the club also still keen on Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

There remains optimism that Chelsea can land