Chelsea transfer blow with Bayern ramping up talks for Matthijs de Ligt as Robert Lewandowski closes on Barcelona move
CHELSEA could lose out on Matthijs de Ligt with Bayern Munich reportedly focusing their attention on the Juventus star.
The defender, 22, is believed to be on Chelsea's transfer list as they attempt to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The Blues have wrapped up a deal to sign Kalidou Koulibaly but want De Ligt to join him in defence.
But Bayern are also big admirers of the Dutchman and will continue talks to sign him once Robert Lewandowski is sold, reports transfer guru .
Lewandowski is believed to be closing in on a move to Barcelona after the two clubs agreed a £42.5million fee.
The 33-year-old has been a top target for the Blaugrana this summer with the striker publicly declaring his wish to depart the Bundesliga champions in May.
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And the money from Lewandowski's sale could go towards paying De Ligt's £76m asking price.
De Ligt would even be willing to take a pay cut to join Bayern, with a contract offer reportedly worth £292,000 a week on the table from the German champions.
Chelsea were given hope with the news that Bayern would not be able to sign De Ligt until Lewandowski was sold - but that now appears to have been dashed.
It is the latest setback for Chelsea who also look set to miss out on Nathan Ake - with Manchester City demanding £50m for the centre-back.
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Long-term target Jules Kounde is also attracting attention from City and Barcelona.
And the Catalan giants are prepared to offer Dutch forward Memphis Depay in a swap deal for the Sevilla man.