Chelsea still favourites to sign Serie A defender

Chelsea remain the front-runners to sign Matthijs de Ligt despite the interest from Bayern Munich, Gazzetta dello Sport claims.

The Blues are desperate to bolster their central defence following the free transfer exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

De Ligt has emerged as the prime transfer target, and it appears they are in pole position to sign him over the coming weeks.

Bayern have also been credited with an interest, but they are yet to make a formal approach to Juventus unlike Chelsea.

The Blues' latest offer of €70m plus €10m in add-ons has been rejected, but they are likely to come up with a fresh bid.

Juventus currently value De Ligt at around €100m, and it is claimed that Chelsea could pay close to the figure soon.

Chelsea are still to make a summer signing which has frustrated their fans.

They are expected to speed up the recruitment progress, and De Ligt could be signed before the second half of pre-season.