Chelsea have found success in signing players from Brighton over the past few years, and are keen to add another in the form of Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Blues added Marc Cucurella to their ranks as part of Todd Boehly’s mad spell of spending in his first transfer window at the club.
Since then, Moises Caicedo has become arguably the best player at the club, while Joao Pedro has rivalled him for that role after his excellent first season.
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Chelsea want Jan Paul van Hecke
The Blues need to address the defence this summer after a season where they conceded 52 goals in the Premier League last season.
Jan Paul van Hecke has enjoyed a strong season as a key member of the Seagulls defence, with them finishing higher than and conceding less goals than Chelsea did last season.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are chasing a move for the Dutchman, after Tottenham have seen an initial bid rejected for his services.
The report goes on to say that Brighton are holding out for a fee of £70m to part ways with the defender this summer, amid interest from plenty of top sides.
Xabi Alonso wants new defenders at the club for next season so he can have the chance to utilise the back three formation he found great success with in Germany.
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Van Hecke’s potential red flag
The Dutchman certainly suits Chelsea’s desire to bring in a physical presence who is good on the ball at the back.
However, no player made more errors leading to a goal than Van Hecke last season, an area which will provide concern to some Chelsea supporters.
The Blues were very guilty of shooting themselves in the foot throughout the previous campaign, costing them plenty of points in the process.
It remains to be seen how seriously Chelsea decide to rival Spurs for the signing, although are in need of adding Premier League experience to their squad.
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