Chelsea receive triple De Ligt transfer boost after secret weapon sparks chain reaction of progress

Chelsea have received a triple boost in their quest to sign Matthijs de Ligt, and a report has revealed why it’s all been sparked by Thomas Tuchel.

The Blues are seeking reinforcements in a variety of positions this summer. Moves for Raphinha and Raheem Sterling in the forward ranks were thought to be taking shape. However, the latest from Spain has poured cold water on the chances of landing Raphinha.

At the back, replacements for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen must be signed.

Names from both within the Premier League and further afield have been linked with the club.

Nathan Ake, Jules Kounde, Kalidou Koulibaly, Presnel Kimpembe and Matthijs de Ligt have all been touted with potential moves to Stamford Bridge.

Of those five, De Ligt would arguably be the highest profile arrival and would undoubtedly cost the biggest fee.

The Telegraph recently claimed the 22-year-old Dutchman is keen to make the switch. His current contract with Juventus expires in 2024 and contains a whopping £103m release clause.

However, the PA news agency have now revealed how Thomas Tuchel has sparked a triple boost in Chelsea’s pursuit.

Tuchel the catalyst behind progress

Firstly, they state a key factor behind De Ligt’s willingness to make the move is the work Tuchel has performed with defensive stars.

Antonio Rudiger is namechecked specifically, with the German becoming a bona fide world class centre-half over the last 18 months under Tuchel.

De Ligt reportedly holds Tuchel in high regard and his admiration for the Blues boss has given Chelsea encouragement to pursue a deal.

What’s more, the player’s desire to link up with Tuchel has led to Juventus softening their stance on two fronts.

It’s claimed the hierarchy in Turin are now ‘accepting his desire for a new challenge’. Furthermore, De Ligt’s keenness to join Chelsea has manifested itself in Juve lowering their transfer demands.

Initial reports claimed they were intending to hold out for his full, £103m release clause. However, the PA report their stance has softened and they’re now willing to make a deal at a lower price.

The outlet concluded talks – which are already underway – are expected to continue in the coming days.

To help soften the financial blow to Chelsea, a makeweight could be included. Timo Werner or Christian Pulisic are named as potential fodder for the move. Jorginho is another who has been mentioned by other publications.

De Ligt capture a feather in Tuchel’s cap

Should Chelsea be able to secure De Ligt’s signature, the move would represent a serious coup for Tuchel in particular.

Stories of players wanting to join Man City or Liverpool to play for Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp are common. Indeed, a key factor of Darwin Nunez’s decision to join the Reds over Man Utd stemmed from the Klopp appeal.

Chelsea have not had a manager that possessed that same type of lure since the first stint of Jose Mourinho.

If the PA are correct – as they so often are – Chelsea now possess a manager that can personally attract the top stars.