Chelsea are allegedly 'convinced' that they will eventually get a deal over the line for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Despite four weeks having passed since the official takeover by a consortium headed by Todd Boehly, the Blues are yet to make any first-team additions ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
However, a wave of activity is expected to occur over the next two months which will see players depart and arrive at Stamford Bridge in a major reshuffle of Thomas Tuchel's squad.
In response to the exits of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, two new centre-backs are at the top of the agenda, and Chelsea have been heavily linked with De Ligt for a number of transfer windows.
Over the weekend, it was claimed that Juventus had shunned an approach from the Premier League outfit as they continue to determine whether the Netherlands international will remain in Turin.
© Reuters
According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo, that may soon change as negotiations continue between the two clubs.
Longo acknowledges that there is still distance between the relevant parties when it comes to a fee, with other reports suggesting that Juventus wanted somewhere in the region of £80m for De Ligt.
As it stands, it appears likely that Chelsea will push forward with a cash-plus-player proposal, Timo Werner seemingly the Blues squad member who could make the move in the opposite direction.
Despite contributing 23 goals and 21 assists during his 89 appearances for Chelsea, Werner has neither met expectations nor will he be regarded as first choice by Tuchel next season.
However, Juventus are said to be open to accepting the Germany international as part of any proposal, the 26-year-old theoretically being regarded as a replacement for Paulo Dybala.
© Reuters
While there is potential for discussions to be drawn out over weeks rather than months, both clubs will be keen to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later with strengthening in other areas of the pitch also on their agenda.
In the case of De Ligt, the 22-year-old has a contract at Juventus until 2024 and talks have been ongoing regarding an extension to those terms.
Nevertheless, when commenting on the situation earlier this month, De Ligt told NOS: "Talks are being held and, when the time comes, I will decide whether I will extend or whether I want to look elsewhere."
Although Manchester City and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in De Ligt over recent weeks, it is unclear whether they will be prepared to match any proposal put forward by Chelsea.
Darren Plant
