Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'open talks with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 26 April 2020

Barcelona 'open talks with Matthijs de Ligt'

Barcelona reportedly open talks with Juventus over a possible deal for Matthijs de Ligt, who is willing to listen to offers from the Spanish outfit.

Barcelona have reportedly opened talks with Juventus over a possible deal for Matthijs de Ligt when the transfer window reopens.

The Catalan giants were heavily linked with the Dutch defender last summer, but he ultimately opted to join Juventus following a stellar campaign with Ajax.

The 20-year-old has endured an up-and-down debut season in Turin, making 27 appearances across all competitions but starting just five Serie A games since the turn of the year.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have revived their interest in De Ligt and that the centre-back is willing to listen to offers from Camp Nou.

The report claims that Barca could look to make the most of Juventus' interest in Arthur, who could be included as a makeweight in any deal.

However, the Spanish giants still consider Neymar and Lautaro Martinez as their top targets this summer and are aware that deals for all three are unlikely due to financial reasons.

De Ligt still has four years remaining on his Juventus contract, and the Italian champions are still understood to view him as a long-term successor for Giorgio Chiellini.