De Ligt to Chelsea or Bayern: Six possible Juventus replacements
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 12 Jul 2022 06:26 CDT
- 3 min read
Juventus have already drawn up a shortlist of replacements should they lose Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
The Bianconeri are expected to lose the Dutch defender this window following serious interest from both Chelsea and Bayern Munich. It's believed that De Ligt favours a move to Bavaria, with Hasan Salihamidzic "optimistic" of reaching an agreement with Juventus.
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However, Chelsea remain interested as Thomas Tuchel looks to add defensive reinforcements following the free transfer departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Either way, Juventus are holding firm on their €85 million valuation of their star defender, but are anticipating that they'll start the 2022/23 season without the Dutch international.
As a result, Juve have drafted a list of names to replace De Ligt, with a centre-back overhaul needed following the exit of Giorgio Chiellini to Los Angeles FC and the permanent sale of Merih Demiral to Atalanta.
Who do Juventus want to sign?
Juventus have come up with a six-man shortlist to replace De Ligt, as they prepare to spend a chunk of the money earned from his sale on a replacement.
Torino's Gleison Bremer is also wanted by Juve, but they've accepted that he will join Inter Milan in all likelihood.
At this current stage, Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly is Juventus' first-choice option to replace De Ligt, although they will face competition with Chelsea. The Blues have turned to the Senegal international following news that De Ligt prefers a move to Bayern. In fact, Chelsea have met with Koulibaly's agent and are reportedly willing to match Napoli's asking price. Either way, Juventus have made him their number one centre-back target.
Behind Koulibaly in the transfer list pecking order is Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian would be available for around €40m according to reports, with Mikel Arteta gaining the quality of William Saliba after his loan spell at Marseille ended.
Juventus are also interested in Villarreal's Pau Torres, Lazio's Francesco Acerbi, Monaco's Benoit Badiashile and Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe.
