Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to Chelsea, and the reports are getting stronger with each day.

Chelsea are in the market to sign at least two centre-backs this summer, and the Blues have been linked with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Juventus Matthijs de Ligt.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, has confirmed Chelsea’s interest in De Ligt.

According to reports, Juventus value De Ligt around £80m even though the centre-back has a £102million release clause.

Also, the 22-year-old is said to be very keen on signing for Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel believed to be pushing for this deal.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport has claimed that De Ligt had turned down Juventus offer of a contract renewal.

But why is De Ligt very interested in signing for Chelsea?

Reports from Italy claim that De Ligt has been impressed by Thomas Tuchel’s managerial prowess.

De Ligt is understood to be keen to work under Tuchel, having seen how the German coach helped the likes of Antonio Rudiger thrive at Chelsea.

Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has however maintained that it would be impossible to keep a player who wants to leave, amid De Ligt’s desire to join Chelsea.

He said: ‘It’s impossible to keep players when they want to leave the club – but all the three parties in the negotiations have to be satisfied.’

A cash plus player swap deal has been mooted, and Gianluca Di Marzio, has claimed that the Blues had offered Juventus around £25m plus Timo Werner for the Netherlands international – a proposal the Serie A side dismissed immediately.