Chelsea will boost their title prospects if they succeed in luring Matthijs de Ligt to Stamford Bridge as the Juventus defender 'could be an absolute game-changer', according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
With the Blues being able to splash the cash following a £4.25billion takeover led by Todd Boehly in May, de Ligt has worked his way onto head coach Thomas Tuchel's radar.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving de Ligt?
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have submitted a proposal worth close to £70million as they look to prise de Ligt away from Juventus.
Although it is understood that the Blues are facing competition from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, they may still be in pole position to win the race for the Dutchman's signature.
That is because de Ligt is reportedly 'very open' to linking up with Tuchel's side ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea were initially prepared to allow Christian Pulisic or Timo Werner head to Serie A in a player-plus-cash deal.
But, last week, Juventus suggested they would only sell de Ligt if the £102million release clause written into his contract was activated.
What has Dean Jones said about de Ligt?
Jones believes Chelsea could significantly aid their hopes of pushing for the Premier League title if they land de Ligt ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The transfer insider feels the offer of a swap deal will not be enough to swoop for the 38-cap Netherlands international, but current Blues stars could still head to Juventus in separate negotiations.
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Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think it could be an absolute game-changer if they could get it over the line.
"If it's going to happen though, I think it's going to have to be a cash deal and there could be a separate transaction that might send a player or two in the other direction."
Why is de Ligt of interest to Chelsea?
Chelsea have seen Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen join Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively since last season concluded, leaving Tuchel with a lack of senior options at the heart of his backline.
De Ligt may only be 22, but he boasts plenty of experience thanks to making 234 appearances for Juventus and previous employers Ajax.
Boehly is hoping to enjoy a successful first campaign at Stamford Bridge and de Ligt has become accustomed to winning trophies.
The Dutchman could even turn out to be an upgrade on Rudiger and Christensen as FBref statistics show he averaged more blocks and interceptions than the former and an increased number of tackles than the latter per 90 minutes last term.