Fans Reacts as Chelsea prepare De Ligt bid with club willing to fork out £38m plus star forward

CHELSEA are reportedly lining up a player-plus-cash transfer offer to Juventus for star defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Thomas Tuchel is desperate to bolster his backline with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing as free agents.

Holland international De Ligt has been touted as a possible option, though it is claimed that the West London outfit face competition from six other clubs including Manchester United.

The 22-year-old fuelled speculation of a possible exit earlier this month after admitting he may reject a new contract offer from the Old Lady.

De Ligt is tied down in Turin until 2024, but he has allegedly told the Serie A giants he intends to leave after putting in a transfer request.

And Chelsea are said to be ready to bring him to Stamford Bridge, where they are willing to offer Juve forward Timo Werner.

According to Sky in Italy via Sky Sports, Chelsea are ready to bid £38million for De Ligt as well as handing over the Germany international.

Werner has struggled to settle in England since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2020 for £53m.

He has scored just ten Premier League goals in 56 appearances, with the player failing to convince Tuchel of his qualities

Meanwhile transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that De Ligt is on a three-man centre-back shortlist.

He he has stated that Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Manchester City ace Nathan Ake and Sevilla’s defensive stalwart Jules Kounde.

Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are genuinely interested in Matthijs de Ligt, confirmed.

“Juve will ask for a big fee as they’re discussing to extend Matthijs’ contract, but still no full agreement.

“De Ligt is appreciated by Thomas Tuchel – part of the list with Koundé and Nathan Ake