Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Matteo Darmian and Stefan de Vrij Rumours

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will reportedly block any sale of Matteo Darmian to Chelsea in the January window. 

According to Calciomercato.com (h/t Toby Gannon of the Sun), Chelsea want to bring the defender to Stamford Bridge in midseason and offer him a chance to kickstart his career in England.

However, the Daily Mirror (h/t Gannon) suggested the Italy international will not be allowed to join the Blues despite falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte knows the player well, having managed him on the international stage. Darmian, at this juncture, looks as though he could do with a transfer, having lost his place in the starting XI at United to Antonio Valencia.

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The former Torino man started out at Old Trafford superbly last season. However, his form deteriorated after some injury niggles midway through the campaign, and he’s been unable to reach similar standards in a red shirt again. 

As noted by Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, Valencia seems to be a long way ahead of the Italy international in the right-back stakes at this point:

Many would have expected Darmian to fare well under Mourinho. The right-back is switched on in his defensive duties, a tenacious tackler and a full-back who will eat up the ground with his energetic forays on the flanks. Despite these talents, Valencia, a makeshift defender, has been preferred for his attacking endeavour.

Chelsea could do with another right-back to provide cover for Branislav Ivanovic, and Conte is someone who has previously got the best out of Darmian. However, given how ruthless a boss Mourinho is, it would be a surprise to see him allow a player to depart and strengthen a potential title rival.

Lazio to Offer Stefan de Vrij New Deal

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According to Calciomercato.com, Lazio have opened talks with Stefan de Vrij about a new contract after he was courted by Chelsea in the summer.

“Chelsea will make a new attempt in January,” the piece suggested, with the 24-year-old having impressed during his time in Serie A. However, Lazio are said to be hopeful of convincing their man to agree an extension before the window opens again, with his contract poised to expire in 2018.

De Vrij joined Lazio after an impressive showing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup for the Netherlands and enjoyed a tremendous first season at the Stadio Olimpico. Here’s what he added to the team’s back line:

However, he spent the majority of the previous term on the sidelines due to injury, with Lazio badly missing his commanding defensive play and composure in distributing from the back.

De Vrij has started three games for his club this term, and the Biancocelesti supporters will be hoping to see him reaching these levels again, per WhoScored.com:

As noted in the report, Chelsea were keen on bringing in a centre-back in the summer and eventually re-signed David Luiz from Paris Saint-Germain. 

However, it would be no surprise to see the Blues revisit De Vrij. The Dutchman is much more robust and authoritative in his defensive work and has shown versatility in operating as part of a back three or a back four.

Given Conte’s diversity in terms of systems and tactics, De Vrij would be an ideal acquisition, provided he can prove his fitness.