Arsenal transfer news: Stefan De Vrij eyed by Chelsea and Gunners as Lazio contract talks continue to stall
Dutch defender keeping his options open ahead of January transfer window as Premier League duo circle
ARSENAL and Chelsea are keeping tabs on unsettled Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij, according to reports.
The Italian giants are trying to tie their star centre-back down to a lucrative new contract as clubs circle.
De Vrij made just two appearances last season through injury but Lazio are keen for him to remain put in the capital.
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However, Repubblica via claims Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in signing the Netherlands international as they look to bulk up at the back.
De Vrij appears to be in no rush to extend his Serie A stay and could be waiting to see if any offers arrive in the January transfer window.
Arsenal spent big on Shkodran Mustafi last summer but remain in the market as they prepare to release captain Per Mertesacker.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to lose John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic at the end of the season, and Antonio Conte wants technically-gifted players to join the likes of David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta at Stamford Bridge.
However, it’s believed Juventus ace Leonardo Bonucci is Chelsea’s top target after Roman Abramovich gave the thumbs-up to a huge spending spree across the next two transfer windows.
Roma’s Antonio Rudiger and Burnley youngster Michael Keane are also options for the Blues, who have been formidable since deploying a three-man defence in the Premier League.