Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt is said to be impressed by head coach Thomas Tuchel ahead of a potential transfer this summer.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to England as his time at Juventus appears to be coming to an end.
The Serie A side have been eyeing up replacements this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe said to be a target for the Old Lady.
Speaking during the international break at the end of last season, De Ligt criticised the sporting project in Turin and hinted at a departure, handing Chelsea a boost.
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“I look at the sporting project. Ending fourth in a row for two years in a row is not good enough, Juventus knows this too. So being Juventus, we have to make steps. I’m a Juventus player so I’m focused on that,” he said.
"There are ongoing conversations between me and Juventus. Right now I am focused on how I perform on the pitch, once the right moment arrives I will decide to extend or to look further."
Furthermore, Juventus CEA Maurizio Arrivabene admitted that they would struggle to keep the defender at the club if he has decided that he wants to leave amid Chelsea interest.
He admitted: “It's impossible to keep players when they want to leave the club - but all the three parties in the negotiations have to be satisfied.”
And now, according to Nick Purewal, Tuchel's ability to coax the best out of defenders is understood to be central to the pursuit of De Ligt.
The Dutch defender is impressed by Tuchel helping the likes of Antonio Rudiger improve.
The German became one of the best defenders in the world under Tuchel before departing for Real Madrid this summer.
The head coach will be hoping that he can coach Rudiger’s replacement to reach similar heights once they sign for Chelsea this summer.
De Ligt's admiration for the German is said to have made Chelsea favourites to sign him amid positive negotaitions with the Old Lady.
Chelsea are hopeful of Juventus lowering their asking price for the defender as they wish to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
It was previously stated that the Italians will be looking for around €70-80 million for their centre-back, as well as the inclusion of Timo Werner in a deal.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be struck this summer, with the Blues in desperate need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season.
Tuchel will be looking to, once again, compete on all fronts with his Chelsea side.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Matthijs De Ligt, Juventus, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms