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Gianluca Di Marzio has admitted to the confusion he will feel if Chelsea decide to replace Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Talk to Daily Football, the Italian journalist said that the sale of De Ligt to the Blues or someone else at the moment could only be called “surprising”.
The 22-year-old has been at Juve since 2019, following the £ 67.8million (Sky Sports) transfer from Ajax.
His performances in the Champions League particularly caught the attention of the Serie A team, who dropped a suitcase full of money at the Dutch gate for their central defender.
Whether the trade was fair or whether the price matched the player remains to be debated.
Contract talks continue to scare
De Ligt is still divided opinions as a member of the Juve clan.
This is why some reports link the Netherlands international with a move away from the Allianz stadium, with the next destination potentially Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s center-halfs are causing some panic in the chain of command.
Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva are all out of contract next summer.
While it seems likely that Azpilicueta and Silva will sign new agreements, Rudiger and Christensen are not about to extend their stay.
Giving up one or both pillars of Thomas Tuchel’s squad would be a major loss.
Shock on the maps of Chelsea?
De Ligt’s signing could ease the pain of several South West London departures.
Still, Di Marzio suggested that this particular handover was not yet considered for two reasons.
“Juventus need De Ligt in their future because Juventus have an old defense,” he said.
“(Leonardo) Bonucci and (Giorgio) Chiellini are great but they’re not young anymore. So, it would be surprising if Juventus sell De Ligt, the future of Juventus.
“And for me, it’s surprising that Chelsea are asking for new defenders.
“They have Thiago Silva, who I think will sign a new contract. (Trevoh) Chalobah, Azpilicueta, (who) they have to renew (his contract). Christensen, Rudiger.
“So it depends on what’s going on with Rudiger, Christensen and all those players who are out of contract.”
Bonucci and Chiellini are certainly no longer spring hens.
With a combined age of 72, the two Italian pillars are coming to the end of their illustrious career.
Juve must plan for the future. De Ligt may be that beacon, unless Chelsea have alternative plans.
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