Juventus Transfer News: Mattia Caldara Exit Rumours Continue; Dortmund Linked

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly offered Juventus €35 million to sign promising centre-back Mattia Caldara, who has also been linked with Chelsea.

According to CalcioMercato.com's Fabrizio Romano (via Sam Wilson), Dortmund have made it clear they will continue to push for the 24-year-old if the Bianconeri reject their current offer. Juventus are said to value Caldara at €45 million.

Earlier this month, Sky Sport Italia (h/t Sport Witness' Naveen Ullal) reported Juventus were set to resist all offers for Caldara. The latest reports indicate Chelsea remain keen on his team-mate Daniele Rugani, but Caldara is also an option for the Blues.

The Italy international, whose only cap was in June, has yet to make his debut for Juventus but has already seemingly surpassed Rugani in the pecking order. Purchased in January 2017, Juventus sent him back on loan to Atalanta for 18 months, where he continued his development.

He was officially presented as a Juventus player in July:

Known for his physical strength and aerial prowess, Caldara is expected to be integrated into the team gradually, as Juventus already have a number of veteran options at the position. Giorgio Chiellini and Medhi Benatia are the likely starters, with Andrea Barzagli and Rugani also in the mix.

That much depth means Juventus could be tempted into a sale, although they're unlikely to cash in on such a special talent unless the offer is substantial. It's hard to see a club like BVB or Chelsea pay such money for a relatively untested defender.

It's worth noting the Blues, in particular, have been linked with a whole army of Juventus players, and it's hard to determine which ones they're legitimately interested in:

Out of all possible targets, Caldara is perhaps least likely to leave Turin, without having played a single match for the Old Lady.