---
title: "Chelsea target Van Dijk remains open to move"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/10/03/chelsea-target-van-dijk-remains-open-move/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-10-03T20:03:51Z"
modified: "2017-10-03T20:03:51Z"
---

# Chelsea target Van Dijk remains open to move

Chelsea were linked with a move for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk throughout the course of the summer.

The Saints man favoured a switch to Liverpool ultimately, but failed to secure a move away from the south coast despite handing in an official transfer request in August.

He has since been reintegrated into Saints’ first-team, and made his first start since January for the club against Stoke at the weekend, following a period out with an ankle issue.

![Alex Livesey/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/855893896.jpg)

Since going out on international duty with his native Netherlands side, though, Van Dijk has been discussing his future again.

As quoted by the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/southampton-defender-virgil-van-dijk-hints-at-january-move-a3649806.html), he insisted that he is keeping his options open ahead of the January transfer window, and claimed he had no regrets after his actions in the summer.

> I’m glad I’m fit again and I can give up 100 per cent. I’m not sorry for anything. Of course, I wanted to make a step up, but Southampton did not want me to sell me, but you’re a professional, so now I’ll give everything to the club.

> Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what’s possible.

Van Dijk is clearly still looking to step up and play for a Champions League club, but has four and a half years remaining on his deal at Saints.