Update: Bild confirms Bayern Munich’s interest in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt as Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the mix

Update: July 3rd, 10:50AM EST: Bild confirms Bayern’s interest in De Ligt

German outlet Bild has confirmed that Bayern Munich made an inquiry into Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt, but there have been no serious discussions as of yet. Interestingly, Bild also confirmed that both Chelsea FC...and Manchester City would be in the mix for De Ligt:

According to information from the Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà (Sportitalia and Gazzetta dello Sport), Bayern have asked Juventus about the Dutchman. BILD knows: So far there is not more to it!

The German record champion is said to have asked about the situation of the Oranje star in Turin. De Ligt can imagine a departure from Juve, he is looking for a new challenge.

The chance for Bavaria? The Munich team had the central defender on their list before moving from Ajax to Juve in 2019 (for 85.5 million euros)...

Problem: Manchester City is also said to have asked about the situation. And Chelsea and coach Thomas Tuchel (48) are said to be preparing a 70 million offer. His release clause is said to be €120m. Actually far too much for the current transfer policy of Munich.

Do Bayern still need a central defender? With the transfer of right-back Noussair Mazraoui (24/free transfer from Ajax Amsterdam), Benjamin Pavard (26) will move to his desired position in the middle of defence. According to BILD information, the Frenchman wants to become the new defense boss.

Sports director Hasan Salihamidzic (45) wants 80 million star Lucas Hernández (26) as boss ahead of Manuel Neuer (36). Last season, the 2018 World Champion didn’t grow into the role.

According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Bayern Munich has made an inquiry on Juventus center-back Matthijs de Ligt.

De Ligt, who has been rumored to be a longtime transfer target of Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan “Brazzo” Salihamidzic, is reportedly available summer, but his price tag could be an issue for the fiscally conservative Bavarians.

Pedulla’s report (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), clearly states that it was a simple “inquiry” at this stage and not an official offer or proposal:

Bayern have asked Juventus about Matthijs de Ligt in the last 72 hours without going any further than just an inquiry for now.

With the club toying with the idea of getting a defensive leader for the backline — and with relatively uncertain futures for both Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard — de Ligt could conceivably fill a potential void. However, his cost is anticipated to be in the neighborhood of €70 million, which would be a hefty bit of cash for the Bavarians to shell out.

The history of the Bayern Munich-de Ligt connection does, indeed, go back to 2018 where the Bavarians were very closely linked to the Dutchman ahead of his eventual move to Juventus. Remember this pic?

Chelsea FC is also rumored to a major contender — if not the leader in the clubhouse — to acquire De Ligt.