Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij who was earlier linked with Chelsea. De Vrij’s current contract runs until 2018 and the Biancocelesti are very adamant to tie him down to the club. The 24-year-old joined the Italian side from Feyenoord after impressing in the 2014 World Cup.
After failing to land Kalidou Koulibaly and Leonardo Bonucci, the Dutch defender has emerged as a primary target for Antonio Conte. The Holland international is a regular in the national team and has 40 caps to his name.
Chelsea earlier had a bid rejected by Lazio for the defender in the last transfer window.
With the arrival of Shkodran Mustafi, Arsenal have been pretty solid defensively this season but are still in the hunt for a defender considering the ages of Koscielny and Mertesacker.
De Vrij suffered a metatarsal fracture in the training and is set to miss the rest of the season. Lazio Sporting Director Igli Tare, who is aware of the interests from both the English clubs is negotiating a new deal with his representatives and could offer a new contract that will make him one of the highest-paid players of the club.
