Chelsea are prepared to rival Bayern Munich for the signature of Stefan de Vrij, according to reports.
The Dutch ace has reportedly told Lazio he wants to leave in the January transfer window and Chelsea are believed to be interested in signing the centre-back.
De Vrij who is considered as one of the best ball-playing defenders in Europe has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past with Arsenal and Manchester United said to be interested.
Italian newspaper ll Tempo has claimed that Antonio Conte is in for the Lazio defender who is out of contract in 18 months and has made it clear that he will not be signing another contract.
But reports have it that the German champions are also keen on getting De Vrij to the Allainz Arena to deputize for Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels who currently boasts one of the finest defensive partnerships in Europe.
Lazio may be tempted to cash in on the defender in January if the price is right but might need to sign a replacement before letting him leave.
Chelsea are believed to be willing to spend the transfer kitty curbed from Oscar’s mega sale to the Chinese Super League with a defensive reinforcements being the top priority for Conte.
