Arsenal and Chelsea target, Stefan de Vrij, is reportedly on the verge of signing a lucrative new contract with his current club Lazio. The central defender has been the centre of attention for the London clubs as they vie with each other for his signature.
The improved contract to be offered by Lazio will reportedly include a release clause of €40million according to Mirror. However, varying reports in the British media have revealed that the Dutch international is keeping his options open as he decides on whether to continue his career in the Serie A or make a move to the Premier League.
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De Vrij started out his career with VV Spirit before debuting as a professional for Dutch club, Feyenoord at the age of 17. Since then the youngster’s career has followed an upward trajectory.
Having joined the Italian club in the summer of 2014 in a surprise move, the Dutch international’s career in Italy has been blighted by injuries. The youngster made 30 appearances in his debut season for the club, but could only manage a mere 2 appearances last season before a knee injury brought a premature end to his campaign.
Long term investment
The 24-year-old has made a solid start to the Serie A this season and his performances have now roused the interest of the London clubs. Arsenal purchased Mustafi in the summer and Arsene Wenger views the Dutch defender as the ideal partner for the German.
Although Arsenal still have the likes of Gabriel and Mertesacker to return from their injuries this season, the capture of de Vrij will represent a coup of sorts. Arsene also has the likes of Rob Holding in his ranks, who performed admirably in the opening weeks but since then has been sidelined.
The recent duo of Koscielny and Mustafi have been a revelation but Wenger believes the addition of the young Dutchman will be a bonus for the squad as they look to challenge for honours on several fronts.
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As for Chelsea, Conte has been shouting himself hoarse for a new defender. In the summer, Chelsea re-signed former blue David Luiz from PSG, but that still hasn’t deterred the Italian from targeting several defenders across Europe. Reports of interest in AC Milan’s Romagnoli and Burnley’s Micahel Keane have been a daily source of news.
Chelsea have also been linked with the likes of Bonucci and Chiellini as Conte looks to revamp the ageing defence at Stamford Bridge. In recent weeks, Conte has adopted a different formation to get the best out of his defenders and de Vrij should be able to fit in nicely.
With financials not being a concern for the London clubs, one wonders which club will be bold enough to take a punt on the young Lazio defender.
(Video courtesy: Amante Della Bola YouTube channel)
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