Juventus have identified Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly as a potential replacement for Matthijs de Ligt, should the Dutchman depart this summer. The 22-year-old Chelsea target looks set to depart Turin with the Blues still interested in signing the centre-back ahead of next season, according to football.london.
Juventus have Kalidou Koulibaly lined up if Matthijs de Ligt leaves for #ChelseaFC 🔜👀https://t.co/wBLVnvs608
— football.london (@Football_LDN) June 24, 2022
Juventus Focus on Chelsea Target to Replace Outgoing Matthijs De Ligt
Chelsea Want Matthijs de Ligt
It is no secret that Chelsea want to sign Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer and their pursuit of the 22-year-old could be edging closer following news that he wants to leave Turin.
Despite having two years remaining on his current deal and a £103 million release clause, Chelsea only want to pay around £60 million for the defender.
However, with relations between the player and the club at a low, the time could be right for Todd Boehly to swoop in and sign the defender for a cut-price fee.
Read Also: Chelsea Transfer Budget Revealed With Thomas Tuchel Promised ‘Up To Six Summer Signings’
Manager Thomas Tuchel has identified Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as his number one target but if the Blues boss can add De Ligt too then that will solve a major defensive crisis at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
However, the report suggests that both Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in the Dutch defender, who played under the new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
Despite that, Chelsea’s offer of £60 remains the “most concrete” offer for the defender.
De Ligt or Koulibaly? I'm all for either of them. Either one would be perfect at LCB to replace Rüdiger. 👍🤝 #CFC @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/5jX4i3kdi7
— Chris CFC Harvey (Champions of the World!!) ⭐⭐ (@CJHCFC1994) June 24, 2022
Juventus to Replace Matthijs de Ligt With Kalidou Koulibaly
Now, another Chelsea target, Kalidou Koulibaly, is being touted as a possible replacement for De Ligt in Turin.
While De Ligt is yet to experience Premier League football, the Senegal international is happy to remain in Serie A, having been with Napoli for the past eight years. During that time, the 31-year-old has won the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Read Also: Paul Pogba Returns to Juventus on Free Transfer
It appears that Juventus boss Max Allegri is a keen admirer of Koulibaly and believes he would play a crucial part of his Old Lady squad next season.
According to Tuttosport, it would cost Italy’s most successful team £36 million to prize him away from Naples.
However, Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti will be digging his heels in, having reportedly said he could quit should his “best centre-half” be moved on this summer.
