Chelsea are lining up a move for Lazio centre back Stefan de Vrij in the summer, according to Cittaceleste.it.
The Dutch international’s contract expires at the end of the season, but the Italian website says that the Blues won’t be signing the defender on a free transfer.
De Vrij will reportedly first sign a new contract as a sign of loyalty to Lazio, but he does not intend to stay at the Stadio Olimpico for very long.
Discussions over a new deal have been going on for a while, and it seems that that the Dutchman is happy to sign a one year extension if it means his move to Chelsea is finalised.
Cittaceleste.it report that Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus are all keen on de Vrij, but he is said to favour a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are believed to be happy to pay €30million (£26.3m) for the 25 year old in the summer, even though he is currently available for free.
It’s a very strange story if you ask me. Why would the defender and his agent potentially waive a hefty signing on fee from a free transfer? It would be very much against the grain in modern football if de Vrij does extend his contract but still moves clubs.
