Chelsea have been linked with a number of defenders this summer and the list seems to have another addition to it with Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues, for most parts of the summer, have been linked with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. However, with the Serie A side asking for €50 million, Antonio Conte might be forced to look elsewhere.
According to reports from England, the Londoners are now looking at a possible move for Dutchman Stefan de Vrij. The 24-year-old joined the Roman side in 2014 from Feyenoord and ever since has been a key part of their defence.
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However, his 2015/16 season was cut short when he suffered a serious knee injury, which he picked up whilst away on international duty with the Netherlands in a Euro 2016 qualifying game against Turkey
While the defender is back in training with Italian side and is playing in pre-season friendlies, it’s not sure if he is back to full fitness or not. The Dutchman played a vital part in Netherland’s run to the semi-finals in the 2014 World Cup and according to reports, he will cost Chelsea €15 million, which some might even consider to be a bargain price.
Although Chelsea’s long-serving captain John Terry was given a contract extension at the fag end of last year, it would be hard to imagine him playing any significant part in Antonio Conte’s scheme of things. Meanwhile, Gary Cahill has just crossed 30 and Kurt Zouma is expected to be out for the rest of the calendar year.
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The situation thus gives Chelsea lots to ponder going into the season that starts next month. Chelsea are said to have grown increasingly frustrated over their talks with Napoli regarding Koulibaly, with the price now seemingly rocketing with Everton also interested in the player.
With Antonio Conte looking to restore Chelsea to the top of the Premier League hierarchy, he will certainly look for re-enforcements at the back. The Blues are also said to have kept a keen eye on Benfica’s Swedish defender Victor Lindelof.
