MATTHIJS DE LIGT is reportedly ‘flattered’ by Chelsea’s interest with the European Champions searching for an Antonio Rudiger replacement.
Chelsea could lose three centre-back’s in the summer with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Rudiger and Andreas Christensen all out of contract.
The Blues have been pushing hard in recent weeks to tie Rudiger down to a mega £200,000-a-week deal.
But whether Rudiger signs a new contract is yet to be seen, as ‘large signing-on fees’ and ‘competitive salary packages’ could be waiting for the 28-year-old elsewhere.
According to Sportmediaset, the Blues are interested in signing Juventus’ top earner De Ligt to potentially replace Rudiger.
The interest is said to have ‘flattered’ the Dutchman, 22, and Juve are open to negotiating an exit for the player who cost them £67m in 2019.
De Ligt likes the idea of living in London, something that gives Chelsea the edge over the other interested party, Barcelona.
Agent Mino Raiola could play a part in where the defender ends up though.
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The super agent has spoken glowingly about Barca and has tipped them to make a comeback in a year or two once they’ve sorted out their finances.
On Barca, he said: “Barcelona will always remain one of the biggest club in the world despite their current form.
“You will know that within one or two years they will be back again.”
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