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Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt would be a “big acquisition” for Thomas Tuchel’s side, according to writer Pete O’Rourke.
The Blues are reportedly interested in signing the Juventus player this summer as defensive reinforcements.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are interested in signing De Ligt to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
After turning down a new deal at Stamford Bridge, Rudiger has joined Real Madrid, while Christensen is set to follow Rudiger to Barcelona.
Chelsea will need to replace. After signing for Juventus for £67.5 million in 2019, he is unlikely to be inexpensive.
O’Rourke believes that if the Blues sign the former Ajax star this summer, he will be a significant addition.
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“It’d be a major acquisition for Chelsea,” the journalist told about this. We all know Chelsea’s centre-back difficulties for next season, with Rudiger and Christensen both departing, so bringing in someone like De Ligt would be a huge plus.”
Certainly, especially in light of Rudiger and Christensen’s experiences. They’re in desperate need of fresh center-backs, and De Ligt is among the best available.
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports broadcaster, remarked about the Netherlands international a few years ago:
“He’s certainly a leader and top class, being captain of Ajax and leading them to where they are this season.”
He possesses the physical characteristics as well. I used to play that position as a kid, and if you’re not completely developed physically, you can make mistakes by getting thrown around by someone who is too strong or too quick for you. But De Ligt is a man, so that’s not a problem for him.”
Those athletic qualities were on display during Juventus’ Serie A season in 2012/13, with De Ligt winning an average of 2.9 aerial duels, the most in Massimiliano Allegri’s team (via WhoScored).
The 22-year-old would have had the most in the team if he had been a Chelsea player. With an average of 2.6, Christensen was their best performer in that category.
If all of the aforementioned is taken into account, De Ligt would be a terrific addition to Tuchel’s squad if a deal can be struck this summer.
