While managerial chaos currently reigns supreme at Stamford Bridge, it hasn’t haltered speculation linking Chelsea with the latest talents in European football. The Blues are currently going under somewhat of a defensive crisis, having kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League encounters.
Chelsea, it has to be said, look fragile at the back and without John Terry in the side, the backline lacks the leadership qualities he brings to the table. David Luiz is too different, both in playing style and mentality, to really become the long-term successor to the former England international, while Gary Cahill often looks lost without the Blues captain beside him.
It’s no surprise in that case to see the West London outfit linked with a move for young Feyenoord ace Stefan de Vrij in January. The Dutchman recently took over the captains armband from compatriot Ron Vlaar, who secured a summer switch to Aston Villa.
Having made his debut as a 17-year-old, De Vrij the Eredivisie side are keen to see the youngster put pen-to-paper on a new long term deal, something he is thus far apprehensive about doing. While Arsenal and Newcastle United are both showing an interest, it is Chelsea that remain at the front of the queue to sign the youngster.
Having captained a top European side so young, it’s understandable that the Blues will look to his leadership capabilities that have currently stood him in good stead. Needless to say with January quickly approaching, and De Vrij’s hesitancy about committing to the club, Chelsea are ready to test their resolve with a £5m bid in the New Year.