Reports: Chelsea to sign Bayern Munich star next summer in €45m move

What's the story?

Bayern Munich are willing to offload Arturo Vidal next summer, with Chelsea the most likely destination, according to a report in reputed German news outlet, Kicker, as well as multiple British sources. Antonio Conte has long been a fan of the Chilean midfielder, after having won three Serie A titles together at Juventus. Vidal's performances this season for the Bundesliga champions have left the Bayern hierarchy unimpressed, and they are reportedly willing to let him leave to Chelsea for a fee of €45 million before his value falls further as the 30-year-old ages.

In case you didn't know...

Vidal came over to Europe as a 20-year-old, leaving Chilean side Colo-Colo for Bayer Leverkusen, before moving to Juventus in 2011. Having won multiple trophies with the Bianconeri, Vidal left for Bayern Munich in 2015, with the Bavarians parting with €37 million to bring the Chilean back to the Bundesliga. Vidal has made 91 appearances for Bayern so far, racking up 16 goals and 16 assists to become one of their most important players in midfield.

The heart of the matter

The Chilean superstar was close to a move to England before, confirming it a couple of seasons back, saying "Yes, there was a chance to come to England. It was last summer, and at one point, we thought that is what would happen. I liked the opportunity that they had offered me, but eventually, it did not happen and I chose to come to Bayern. I wanted to come to a team this strong and to a project that is so ambitious."

Bayern have a contract with Vidal until June, 2019 and thus are keen to cash in on Vidal while his stock is high. However, they might hold him to his contract if they are unable to sign a replacement in the form of Leon Goretzka.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, however, wants the club to sign Vidal in January itself, so as to ensure that the Blues have a fighting chance in the race for the Premier League title. N'Golo Kante's absence brought into sharp focus the need for another central midfielder, and Bayern's Chilean midfielder fits the bill.

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Author's Take:

Vidal's performances for Bayern have been disappointing this season, and when considering his performances in Chile's failed World Cup qualification bid, Chelsea ought to be wary of the player's fitness levels as he ages.

His all-action style would suit the Premier League though, and perhaps the Blues ought to take the risk, especially if it is for a lower fee than the €45 million Bayern are asking.