Reports suggest Chelsea are keen on signing Stefan de Vrij from Inter Milan, with the price tag of around £13m not an issue for the Blues.
The 30-year-old is believed to be assessing his options for the future after receiving a lower offer to renew his deal, according to FCInterNews.
And the transfer is now said to be one which is financially viable for Chelsea, who would also have no problem reaching De Vrij’s wage demands.
The Dutchman has been a regular for the Nezarruzzi since joining from Lazio in 2018, making 30 appearances in the league this season.
De Vrij has also been a staple of the Dutch national team, featuring 55 times despite competition from the likes of Virgil van Dijk.
News of Chelsea’s interest has not been surprising, with them requiring a rebuild at the back after Antonio Rudiger’s departure, as well as potential exits of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Inter man could be the ideal signing for Thomas Tuchel if he looks to continue playing the same system next year.
FCInterNews described the defender as: “A figure that is far from inaccessible for those looking for an international level centre back, with experience and perfect for the three-man defence.”
An affordable option could be of desire to the Blues, who are already widely reported to be close to securing Sevilla’s Jules Kounde for around £55m.
Rumours had been flying around that Matthijs de Ligt was also on Chelsea’s radar, however the current asking price for the 22-year-old of around £100m surely rules the Blues out of the move.
De Vrij offers the Blues another greatly experienced option at the back, another example for the likes of Trevor Chalobah and Levi Colwill to learn from.
The success of the Thiago Silva spell at Stamford Bridge so far should encourage the club to look past the age of the Dutchman, who is already in his thirties.
While it is obvious the club will need more mobility around the centre-back, the realistic truth is Silva, at nearly 38 years of age, is approaching his last seasons competing at the top of the game, and the influence he’s clearly had on Chelsea’s current crop of defenders is an important characteristic to replace.