“The dream signing” – Journalist drops big claim as Chelsea eye move for “incredible” £102m star

Chelsea have always eyed Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt as their ‘dream signing’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 22-year-old is believed to be in negotiations over a new contract with the Serie A giants but is demanding that his €120 million (£102m) release clause is lowered before putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

De Ligt’s existing deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning the current transfer window may be one of the last opportunities for Juve to receive a top price for their prized asset if he refuses to commit his future to the club.

And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Dutch international’s situation in his column for Caught Offside.

“Juventus are now negotiating with the Dutch defender to extend the contract until 2025 or 2026, but De Ligt has told the club that he will only sign a new agreement if the release clause is lowered,” wrote Romano.

“So far for Barcelona, who have financial problems, it is too expensive a deal for them to seriously consider at the moment. Chelsea have been monitoring De Ligt for months, but the priority at the moment is Jules Kounde.”

Sevilla’s Kounde is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge over the coming months after coming close to doing so last summer, and Jones believes it’s ‘feasible’ that another central defender also joins Chelsea.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I definitely think it’s feasible (Chelsea signing another centre-back after Kounde). De Ligt has always been the dream signing, but it’s very difficult to do; it would cost so much money.

“He’s also earning massive money at Juve, and I don’t think they are especially keen to lose him. I think if someone was to