Bayern Munich joins Chelsea in the race to sign Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt: Reports

Bayern Munich joins Chelsea in the race to sign Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt: Reports

Bayern Munich are in negotiations with Juventus for the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt. The 22-year-old Dutchman appears to have impressed both Hasan Salihamidžić and Nagelsmann, who may consider him a replacement for the recently departed Niklas Sule.

Bayern Munich are desperate to sign the 22-year-old centre-back from Juventus, according to Sky Germany. The interest is said to be mutual, with transfer negotiations already underway. Bayern are not alone in their pursuit of de Ligt, with Chelsea also reportedly interested, but the player appears to prefer a move to Allianz Arena.

YouTube video

The transfer fee demanded by Juventus, on the other hand, could be a stumbling block. De Ligt has a reported €120 million release clause, but Juventus should be open to offers starting at €80 million.

FS Video

According to Sky Germany, Bayern will be unable to pay more than €60 million for de Ligt if they do not offload other players. Benjamin Pavard is one of the players who could fill the void, with Sky Germany reporting that the Frenchman is a candidate to leave this summer, amidst interest from Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Juventus.

De Ligt is one of three signings Bayern president Hasan Salihamidžić wants to complete before the summer ends, the other two being RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer and Stade Rennes’ Mathys Tel.

Read More: Former Arsenal player Serge Gnabry may not make a heroic return to the Emirates after dumping Bayern Munich this season: Reports

Bayern Munich’s interest in Matthijs de Ligt is a huge blow for Chelsea’s defense rebuild

Bayern Munich Thomas Tuchel Matthijs De ligt

Chelsea have been the frontrunners in the race for De Ligt for some time, but according to Sky Germany, the player would now prefer to join Bayern after talks and is hopeful of reaching an agreement.

This summer, Thomas Tuchel’s side has prioritized the former Ajax defender as their top defensive target, with Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic both mentioned as possible make-weights in a deal.

However, it appears that De Ligt will bypass the Blues in order to join the most dominant domestic side in Europe’s top five leagues.

Read More: Bayern Munich president denies rumors of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the German club next season; calls him a “top player with an outstanding career”