Watch: Fabrizio Romano explains Chelsea’s plans for De Ligt transfer

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea have begun talks with Juventus for the possible transfer of Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt in what would be one of the biggest signings in the Premier League this summer.

De Ligt was the captain of the Ajax team that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League under Erik ten Hag. Still just 22 years old, he could be persuaded to pursue a new challenge with Chelsea this summer.

“Chelsea will sign new centre-backs,” Romano explained in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel.

“They lost Toni Rudiger, a new Real Madrid player, Andreas Christensen will be announced as new Barcelona player, and so they need centrebacks. De Ligt is part of Chelsea’s list.

“Chelsea had some discussions with Juventus, they have opened some talks with Juventus to understand the price.”

De Ligt would be a huge coup for Chelsea, with the Dutch international regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in the world. Multiple clubs sought his signature when he left Ajax, but eventually it was Juventus who won the race for the Dutchman.

Yet Juventus have struggled in the past two seasons and De Ligt only won Serie A in his first full season at the club, the Turin side losing their dominance of Italian football.

“They [Chelsea] consider De Ligt a fantastic centre-back,” Romano went on to say.

“Really appreciated in particular by Thomas Tuchel, this is why Chelsea are really keen on the situation.

“It’s not the only name they have on the list, Nathan Ake from Manchester City is one of the names they have on the list.

“Joules Kounde is an important transfer for Chelsea for some time, but Sevilla have not received any bid yet for the €65million fee. Also, Barcelona are interested in Kounde.”

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