Chelsea were linked to a number of defenders this summer before they eventually signed David Luiz. The Blues reportedly tried signing Kalidou Koulibaly, Nikola Maksimovic, and Stefan de Vrij, but were left disappointed.
According to Italian website Il Tempo, Lazio’s president, Claudio Lotito, and director of sport, Igli Tare, have decided to offer de Vrij a new contract to secure his future at the club.
The Serie A side rejected an offer of €35m from Valencia last summer, and around €25m to €28m from Chelsea ‘last week’ for the Dutch defender.
De Vrij is likely to be offered a new four-year contract worth €1.8m/season.
This one could get a bit tricky as the 24-year-old has another two years left on his contract at Lazio. The Serie A club could be forced to sell the player on the cheap next summer if they fail to agree a new contract.
The Chelsea ship may now have sailed for De Vrij, and his chance of joining the club have gone, but there’s sure to be wider interest if he continues his development. In that situation, it’s no wonder Lazio are keen to get things done.
