Chelsea in double transfer blow as Juventus plot to pair Matthijs de Ligt alongside Blues target Kalidou Koulibaly

CHELSEA have been handed a double blow in their pursuit of a new centre back this summer.

The Blues have been targeting a number of big names in their quest to replace Antonio Rudiger.

However, Juventus have potentially dealt Thomas Tuchel's side a huge blow, as they plan to bring Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly to the Old Lady.

The Senegalese international has been touted by Chelsea already, reportedly offering him a contract worth £8.5million a year.

The move would signify a further blow for the Blues, with Juventus keen to pair Koulibaly with fellow target Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman is vastly experienced at the age of just 22, being a key figure in Ajax's mesmerising run in the Champions League in 2019.

Despite not living up to the expectations in Turin, De Ligt remains a dominant figure to build a defence around for another decade.

That has not stopped a number of top European clubs, including the Blues, from competing in a race for his services.

However, according to the Serie A side plan to pair the duo at centre back next season, greatly limiting Chelsea's options in the market.

Tuchel's side are still favourites for the signing of Sevilla's Jules Kounde, although they are facing late competition from Xavi's Barcelona.

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The Catalan side are still firmly in the hunt for Chelsea's Spanish pair Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.

With a deal almost confirmed for former Blue Andreas Christensen, it would be a bad start to the Todd Boehly era to lose Kounde to the side too.