Chelsea told to pay £65m for 25-year-old Premier League star – report
Chelsea have been quoted a £65m asking price for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this summer, say reports
Chelsea have been quoted a fee of £65m for the signing of Virgil van Dijk by Southampton this summer, according to reports.
Yahoo Sport is claiming that the Saints’ hefty valuation of the defender is proving to be a “stumbling block” in Chelsea’s bid to land the Netherlands defender this summer.
The same report claims that Southampton officials are privately open to selling Van Dijk this summer if their valuation of the player is met.
The story also suggests that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte would rather sign defender Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus this summer.
However, the Chelsea boss has given the green light for the Blues to complete a deal for Van Dijk if a fee can be agreed with Southampton.
Chelsea are thought to be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements this summer after veteran Blues star John Terry called time on his Stamford Bridge career at the end of last season.
There is also uncertainty about the futures of the likes of Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma at Chelsea as the Blues prepare for a return to the Champions League next season.
