Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has identified Matthijs de Ligt as a prospective transfer target as the club continues to rebuild its defense.
According to Italian sources, Chelsea has made an approach for the Dutch center-back but may face competition from Manchester City.
Chelsea are planning a defensive makeover this summer after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona on free transfers.
Although Jules Kounde remains their major goal, Barcelona is also interested in the Sevilla center-back.
Chelsea have also been keeping an eye on Lens winger Jonathan Clauss as the future of Cesar Azpilicueta, who is desired by Barcelona, remains uncertain.
De Ligt has stated that he is dissatisfied with Juventus' level of ambition, and talks over a new contract have stalled, fueling speculation that he could be transferred.
The 22-year-old has a release clause of £107.4 million. Chelsea will not pay that much for him, while Juventus may consider offers of around £85 million.
Todd Boehly, the new owner of Chelsea, is planning a summer spending binge to ensure the Blues can compete with Manchester City and Liverpool next season.
Chelsea has identified Raheem Sterling as a major target. They are also keen on Ousmane Dembele and Richarlison.
We learned earlier this week that Chelsea had begun contract negotiations with Reece James, and that initial claim from CaughtOffside has now been confirmed by Matt Law's current piece.
James was fantastic for Chelsea both before and after his injury in the middle of the season, and he's woefully underpaid compared to the majority of his teammates, given his value to the squad.
Snippet from The Telegraph's most recent piece, published today at 12.35pm https://t.co/UcTatPm3xB pic.twitter.com/KYZ8OtADEv
He's more than deserving of a new contract, and we need to lock him down before other clubs show too much interest.
We've been hearing rumors of Real Madrid interest for far too long, and while we're sure he wants to be loyal and stay at Chelsea, we need to pay him like the superstar he is.
Todd, pay him whatever he wants, but get him locked into a long contract as soon as possible. According to Law, the club has already made the first move, which is a start.
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