A pair of updates surrounding the future of transfer-linked Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt have, on Friday evening, been forthcoming online.

First up comes confirmation of first contacts arriving for the Dutchman on the part of one of the heavyweights of the Premier League.

The outfit in question? Chelsea.

Thomas Tuchel's Blues are known to be on the lookout for reinforcements at the heart of the club's backline this summer, on the back of the free agent departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

In turn, the powers that be in west London have turned their attentions towards Turin, with de Ligt understood to be high on the club's wishlist.

Not only that, but, as per Juventus transfer insider Romeo Agresti, contacts between the respective boards at Stamford Bridge and the Allianz Stadium have been officially initiated.

The latter, as things stand, remain staunch in their hope of de Ligt ultimately putting pen to paper on a new deal with the club, but, should the Dutchman fail to make his willingness to stay put clear over the coming weeks, the Bianconeri are likely to open to a sale.

And, should such a scenario come to fruition, an insight has too since been provided into the demands of the transfer team in Turin.

The info comes courtesy of Sky Italy, who suggest that 'only an offer close to the 125 million release clause could open a gap in Allegri's defence'.


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