Antonio Conte has prioritised the signature of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk as he looks to make a big signing for Chelsea’s defence this summer.
Chelsea have so far been quiet on the transfer front and it has led to some frustration for Conte, who has insisted that he needs more strength and depth in his squad next season.
Van Dijk has been on Chelsea’s radar for months but the Dutchman looked to be on his way to Liverpool, only for the transfer to collapse after Southampton officially reported the Reds to the authorities for illegally tapping up their defender.
The Merseyside giants officially apologised to the Saints and ended their interest in Van Dijk but it seems the defender could still leave St. Mary’s Stadium this summer.
According to Sky Italia, Van Dijk remains Conte’s first choice to add to his defence this summer and Chelsea have prioritised signing the defender from Southampton in the upcoming window.
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Chelsea are claimed to be prepared to offer £60m to convince Southampton to part ways with the 25-year-old and is confident of getting a deal over the line.
Van Dijk had made up his mind about joining Liverpool earlier in the summer despite interest from Chelsea and it remains to be seen whether he agrees to move to Stamford Bridge.
