---
title: "Chelsea target Virgil van Dijk hands in transfer request"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/08/07/chelsea-target-virgil-van-dijk-hands-in-transfer-request/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-08-07T16:27:57Z"
modified: "2017-08-07T16:32:09Z"
---

# Chelsea target Virgil van Dijk hands in transfer request

Chelsea target Virgil van Dijk has officially submitted a transfer request to Southampton today, as shown in a statement made by the player.

> Twitter: Virgil van Dijk full statement on wanting to leave Southampton. #SSN (1/2) https://t.co/pb4hv6i1Os (@skysports\_bryan)

> Twitter: Virgil van Dijk full statement on wanting to leave Southampton. #SSN (2/2) https://t.co/OmuDKG2j5y (@skysports\_bryan)

The statement made by the Dutchman confirms that he is keen to depart the club with immediate effect, as he seeks a move to a top team this summer.

Chelsea have long been linked with a move for the former Celtic man, with Antonio Conte keen to bolster his defensive reinforcements further.

![Stephen Pond/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/631140624.jpg)

Van Dijk has established himself as one of the [Premier League](https://readpl.com/)’s best central defenders since his move to England in 2015, and this has subsequently attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and [Chelsea](https://readchelsea.com/).

Saints have been adamant in their stance that Van Dijk will not be sold, but this transfer request could force their hand, and a bid from Chelsea could tempt them now.