Report: Juventus looking to hijack Barcelona top transfer target

What's the story?

According to Tuttosport, Juventus have identified Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt as their top defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Dutch defender is one of the hottest prospects in the transfer market at the moment and is already being eyed by several European top dogs, including the likes of Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG. As a result, the Italian giants will be up for cut-throat competition for de Ligt's signature.

In case you didn't know...

Barcelona have already landed de Ligt's current team-mate, Frenkie De Jong, and as mentioned previously, are also involved in hot pursuit of the 19-year-old.

Matthijs de Ligt, a product of Ajax academy, is the youngest Dutchman to play in a European final in history. Last season, he was also awarded the captain's armband as he became the youngest captain ever in Dutch professional football.

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The heart of the matter...

The Old Lady are determined to bolster their squad with the additions of top-quality players. They have already commenced their spending spree by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid this past summer.

Ajax are acutely aware of de Ligt's demand in the transfer market and will most likely be willing to trigger a bidding war between the interested clubs. They have already hauled in €86 million from Barca via De Jong's sale.

Another stumbling block for Juventus could be De Ligt's agent, Mino Raiola, who is renowned for playing hardball.

Rumour rating: 7/10

Tuttosport is a reliable news outlet when it comes to Italian transfer news. Besides, De Ligt's father, Frank, admitted that Juventus could be his son's new destination while talking to Tuttosport in December.

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What's next?

Juventus will play Atalanta next in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals having edged past Lazio in the Serie A encounter.