One area Chelsea definitely need to strengthen this summer is centre-back. The Blues’ defence has arguably been their biggest weakness for a long time. Last year, Levi Colwill got injured in pre-season training. Enzo Maresca openly asked for a replacement to be brought in. But his request as overlooked.
In hindsight, he was absolutely right, as Chelsea went on to endure a poor campaign, finishing 10th and trophyless. Colwill only returned for the last few games of the season and immediately improved the defence, proving the worth of a quality centre-back.
This summer, the aim should be to bring in a centre-back who can immediately come into the starting XI and partner Colwill. But it looks like one of Chelsea’s transfer targets could end up at one of their London rivals instead.
According to ESPN, Tottenham Hotspur have had an opening offer for Jan Paul van Hecke rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls want a transfer fee between £60 million and £70 million for the centre-back.
Tottenham Hotspur make opening offer for Van Hecke
Chelsea are believed to be looking for experienced players this summer. Ones who are ideally Premier League-proven. And Van Hecke would fall under that category.
He has been a nailed-on starter for Brighton for quite some time now. He was even considered a future captain for the club before these recent exit rumours cropped up.
At the international level, Van Hecke has represented the Netherlands national team on 10 occasions already. So, it is understandable why someone like him could be on the radar of Chelsea.
Now, with Tottenham Hotspur already making their move, it puts the pressure on Chelsea if they really want to sign him.
Would Van Hecke be the right signing for Chelsea?
This is a discussion that has divided the fanbase. There is a portion of the fanbase that believes that Van Hecke would be a very good fit.
He has experience in the Premier League. And while Chelsea signing players from Brighton has often been criticised, one cannot argue with the results. Some of the club’s best players were brought in from the Seagulls.
There is another section of the fanbase that does not believe that Van Hecke has the right traits for this role. He does not have much recovery pace, which could be a problem in what is not the fastest backline. Also, his lack of aerial prowess worries some. And then there is a fact that he often ends up making mistakes while playing out from the back.
So, you can see both sides of the coin. Personally, I feel that Chelsea should go for the right fit rather than targeting a particular name. And nobody can understand that better than Xabi Alonso.
