Despite meeting with Bayern Munich, Juventus have not abandoned hopes of keeping Matthijs De Ligt. The Bavarians stopped decisively short of their valuation. In addition, the Bianconeri will not sign their top target Kalidou Koulibaly. He has flown to London to take the medicals for Chelsea. Their main alternative Bremer is closer to Inter than to them.
Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea, here we go! Full agreement in place for €40m fee add-ons completed, bid accepted. Napoli are checking the documents then it will be official. ?? #CFC
Koulibaly will sign long-term deal for €10m net salary per season. First centre back, signed. pic.twitter.com/Flr0XSN7wu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022
As per La Stampa (via Yahoo), the executives of the Old Lady had new contacts with his entourage. They reaffirmed his key role within the team. Moreover, they tried to sell him on the quality of the newcomers and their strategy in general. The Dutchman had voiced his concerns since the team finished 4th and did not go far in Europe twice in a row.
After the new round of talks, Juventus are more optimistic they could forgo selling De Ligt this summer. They could even be able to extend his contract, lowering his release clause as his camp requested. In that respect, the recent additions of Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria could contribute to swaying the player. The defender has not publicly asked out. Although, he is believed to have come to terms with Bayern.
An assist for the Old Lady might come from the fact that Bayern Munich are the only ones presently pursuing the prodigy. Chelsea will add another center-back after Koulibaly. However, they are keener on the cheaper Nathan Aké and Presnel Kimpembé, Fabrizio Romano reports.
Our Take on Juventus Trying to Keep De Ligt
The Bianconeri did not generate the bidding war they were probably hoping for when they not-so-subtly made him available. Unless the Bundesliga giants raise their bid to €90/100M, it may be worth seeing it out and revisiting the situation in 2023. Unless the player is hell-bent on leaving.