Pochettino could finally be united with long-time target at Chelsea

Tom Weber

Updated: 9 Apr 2024 11:27 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are monitoring Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, according to a report.

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The Dutchman has endured a strange season at the Allianz Arena. Due to Bayern's wealth of centre-back options, De Ligt has not played as much football as he would have liked, though he was recently given more of a chance by departing head coach Thomas Tuchel.

This reportedly prompted a U-turn. Previously, De Ligt had been linked with a summer exit due to his lack of playing time, but the news that Tuchel would leave the club at the end of the season plus his more frequent minutes saw the centre-back publically rubbish any transfer links, insisting that he is loving life in Munich.

Man Utd and Arsenal had been heavily linked with the 24-year-old before he made his comments, but links with these two Premier League giants have naturally dissipated in the wake of his statement. It seems that Chelsea, however, didn't get the memo.

Chelsea want De Ligt

According to SPTC, De Ligt has appeared on Chelsea's radar for the summer, with the Blues once again looking to bolster their backline. Bayern, it is claimed, would be open to cashing in on the player.

One of the key forces driving this interest could be Mauricio Pochettino. Though Chelsea have enquired about Ruben Amorim, it seems Pochettino will keep his job and he will have a big say in their summer business.

The Argentine is a long-time admirer of De Ligt and reportedly wanted to sign the erstwhile wonderkid all the way back in 2018 when he was at Tottenham and the Dutchman was still at Ajax.

The Dutchman won't come cheap, however, which casts doubt on Chelsea's ability to sign him. The Blues need to keep an eye on Financial Fair Play regulations especially as they are planning to spend €130 million on top target Victor Osimhen.