---
title: "Chelsea remain keen to sign Virgil van Dijk"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/12/17/chelsea-remain-keen-sign-virgil-van-dijk/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-12-17T22:56:27Z"
modified: "2017-12-17T22:56:27Z"
---

# Chelsea remain keen to sign Virgil van Dijk

Chelsea remain keen to sign Virgil van Dijk, according to the [Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/big-six-rivals-cannot-allow-11712339), and will rival Manchester City for the Southampton defender’s signature.

The Blues are said to still be keen on landing Van Dijk, who handed in a transfer request on the south coast in the summer. The Dutchman wanted to secure a move to Liverpool but saw his wishes rejected by a defiant Southampton board.

However, it seems that interest in Van Dijk has not deteriorated, with all of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool still all recently claimed to be keen.

![Jan Kruger/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/875786882.jpg)

Van Dijk was dropped by Mauricio Pellegrino for Saints’ game against Chelsea on Saturday and the manager [made](https://readsouthampton.com/2017/12/17/mauricio-pellegrino-quiet-on-van-dijks-potential-transfer/) no promises as to where the Netherlands international would be playing his football when January comes to a close.

Antonio Conte hinted towards Chelsea, among other leading clubs in England, rivalling City in their chase for Van Dijk.

> Every team, every club, must pay great attention. Because if a club like Manchester City takes all the best \[players\], it will be very difficult for us to fight. Not only in England but in Europe.

Chelsea are well stocked with defensive options but Van Dijk is a long-standing target for the club. Conte is seemingly an admirer of the powerful centre-back, who is understood to still be keen on departing St Mary’s.