MATTHIJS DE LIGT has LANDED in Germany to complete his move to Bayern Munich, shortly after his agent confirmed the imminent transfer.
The 22-year-old Juventus centre-back was linked with a move to Chelsea after talks over a new deal with the Italian giants broke down.
However, Bayern always appeared to be the frontrunners in their pursuit of the Dutch defender – with Juventus keen to receive around £68million.
And now De Ligt’s representative Rafaela Pimenta – who also handles new Juve midfielder Paul Pogba – has revealed that a move to Bayern is closing in – with pictures also emerging of the defender arriving in Germany.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Pimenta said: “De Ligt deal will be completed soon with Bayern.
“We’ve to say thanks to Juve as they’ve been great with Matthijs and Pogba.”
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Chelsea are keen to bring in new centre-backs following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Thomas Tuchel has already secured Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly for £34million.
But they will be keen to add another high-level name to the heart of their back line.
And as they prepare to miss out on De Ligt, attention may turn to Sevilla man Jules Kounde.
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The Frenchman reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea last summer, before talks between the two clubs broke down.
Now he looks set to finally be on the move, with the Blues one of several clubs thought to be interested.
Barcelona, PSG and Newcastle have all been linked with the young centre-back – who is valued at around £57m.
Another defender Chelsea are thought to be looking at is PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe, while Nathan Ake will now stay at Man City after they blocked his move.
