Chelsea may have £54m alternative to Jules Kounde with even higher ceiling than Frenchman
Chelsea could have the opportunity to sign an ideal alternative to Sevilla centre-back
Jules Kounde this summer.
Reports in Italy claim Juventus are ready to sell Matthijs de Ligt, and their stance
has put some of Europe's biggest heavyweights on notice.
Chelsea spent a large chunk of last summer attempting to lure Kounde to Stamford Bridge
to bolster Thomas Tuchel's defence.
Some reports suggested a deal to sign the 23-year-old was almost completed before Sevilla
raised their £42million (€50m) valuation.
Tuchel was left with no defensive signings, and now Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta
and Antonio Rudiger have entered the final five months of their contracts.
But a prime opportunity to strengthen at the back may have arisen in the form of one of
Europe's most promising young centre-halves.
According to La Republicca, Juventus are willing to offload De Ligt in the summer and will
accept a £14m loss.
In 2019, The Old Lady signed him as a teenager from Ajax in a £68million deal, and he has
made 98 appearances since.
But just three years later, Juventus have set an asking price worth £54m and would
be happy to part ways with De Ligt.
And Chelsea are ready to battle Barcelona and Bayern Munich for his services, as Tuchel
eyes defensive reinforcements.
Calciomercato have also credited Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur with interest.
Antonio Conte also wants to strengthen his back three and could identify De Ligt as a
primary target at the end of the season.
But he may favour a move to a more established Champions League contender in Chelsea, should
the Blues form a suitable approach.
The 22-year-old poses as an exciting alternative to Kounde, which could help avoid another
drawn-out saga with a club growing a reputation for their stubborn negotiating.
Newcastle have been vying to sign Kounde's partner, Diego Carlos, this month, but Sevilla
have frustrated them.
The 28-year-old has stated his desire to leave for St James' Park, but Newcastle's bid has
yet to be accepted.
But if the La Liga giants eventually allow Carlos to depart, it could make them even
more reluctant to lose Kounde in the summer.
That could make Chelsea turn their attention towards De Ligt in the coming months - and
he could be an even better addition to their back line than the Frenchman.