Stefan de Vrij attracts Chelsea and Barcelona interest as race to sign Lazio contract rebel intensifies
Dutch defender has announced his plans to leave Italian giants on a free transfer this summer
CHELSEA and Barcelona have reportedly joined the race for Lazio contract rebel Stefan de Vrij.
claims the Dutch centre-back will have a plethora of offers this summer after declaring his intention to call time on his four years in Rome.
It’s already been said that Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will present contracts to De Vrij, 26.
The former Feyenoord star is a fully-fledged Netherlands international and is rated as one of the top defenders in Europe.
De Vrij’s ball-playing skills and physicality make him a top prospect of many of Europe’s elite sides.
And it’s believed he will also receive lucrative offers from Chelsea and Barcelona, who faced each in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
However, the report adds that Inter Milan are surprise favourites for De Vrij’s signature, with his entourage already thought to have agreed a five-year deal in principle with the Nerazzurri.
Meanwhile, the coveted star posted an emotional explanation of his predicament on social media, with many Lazio fans furious at his decision to snub a contract extension and leave the Italian capital for no fee.
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De Vrij said: “It has been a very difficult period full of speculations on my future to come to this point that nobody desired.
“Unfortunately we were not able to find a satisfying agreement for both parties due to various reasons.
“I understand the disappointed of the Lazio fans very good and it hurts me leaving in this way.
“Even though I am very happy and I feel at home here, sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone to achieve our desired goals.
“I will be forever grateful to Lazio and to the fans for always being there for me, for the trust and opportunities given.
“I have always tried to demonstrate that by giving the best of my and I will keep doing that until the end.”