(Football news) Matthijs de Ligt has put in a transfer request and Juventus are reportedly open to selling the Dutchman. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are the two clubs interested in signing De Ligt and a move is likely to happen before the end of the current transfer window. Both Chelsea and Bayern Munich will probably submit a bid to Juventus after which it will be the player's choice. Both the clubs desperately need reinforcements in central defence and will not give up easily. There is still time for other clubs to enter the race for the centre half but at the moment it is a two horse race.

De Ligt was the captain of Ajax at the age of 19 when Juventus spent €75 million + €10.5 million add-on to sign the defender. He has really struggled with injuries at the Italian club but has had periods of really good performances.  The talent is still pretty much there and he has the potential to become world class. For a centre back, De Ligt is really good with the ball at his feet. He also has a lot of physical attributes which makes it tough for forwards to get past him. He is still just 22 years of age and is yet to hit his prime. His injury history is a little bit of a concern but it shouldn't be too much of a worry.

Chelsea have lost two of their starting centre backs in Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. The other centre back Thiago Silva is already 37 years old. Bayern Munich also lost Niklas Sule to rivals Borussia Dortmund and they are yet to sign a replacement. A lot of the negotiations will depend on De Ligt's preference and Juventus' asking price. Juventus will also be eyeing a player to replace De Ligt after already losing Giorgio Chiellini for free. Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the players who is linked with a move to Turin.

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