Matthijs de Ligt asking price reaching more realistic terms

Yesterday we spent some time writing up the Chelsea links to Matthijs de Ligy, with Juventus apparently asking for his €120m release clause to sell him.

Now that is a total non-starter of course, but even in the course of 24 hours the discussion is reaching more realistic areas.

SportWitness translate claims from Italy that the defender is negotiating a new contract, with a €70m-80m clause. If they’re willing to negotiate that, then clearly they’re willing to sell him for something in that region, even before the new deal is signed.

Once again though, just like last summer, we must warn you that this is all likely to be just part of a strategy from de Ligt’s agent to secure a big new contract with a lower release clause. Chelsea’s interest may be totally ersatz.

Of course the Blues are keeping tabs on top defenders all over Europe – but this is going to be one of the more overpriced.