Chelsea closing in on Rugani deal

Chelsea are thought to be close to confirming a deal to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani.

According to reports in Italy by Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited on Team Talk, the defender will sign a four-year contract with the Blues.

The deal is said to be worth a reported €35 million, with another €10 million also included in potential add-ons.

Rugani was a key target for incoming Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who worked with the defender at Empoli.

Sarri is expected to be confirmed as Antonio Conte’s replacement imminently following talks between Chelsea and Napoli.

The former Napoli boss even tried to lure him to Naples during his time there, but the youngster has now become frustrated by the lack of regular game time in Turin.

Juventus are pushing to sign young Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, which would push Rugani even further down the pecking order.