One issue Chelsea have faced in recent times is that they have often been outdone by their rivals when it comes to the transfer market. In many ways, that is natural. The Blues have not had Champions League football most of the time lately. They are also not winning like they used to. And overall, Stamford Bridge is not viewed as the right place to develop or take the next step any longer.
Even then, Chelsea should not be outdone by a team that just finished 17th in the Premier League. Yet, that is exactly what is happening right now.
Obviously, we are talking about Tottenham Hotspur. They have seemed on a mission to improve their squad after a terrible season. And that might mean signing a centre-back who is also on Chelsea’s radar.
According to Voetbal International (via The Standard), Tottenham Hotspur have agreed personal terms with Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea have been linked with Van Hecke as well
We all know about the history of Chelsea signing players from Brighton & Hove Albion since the BlueCo takeover. And Van Hecke seems to have been the latest one to catch the attention of the Blues.
It is clear that Chelsea need to sign a centre-back or two this summer. Van Hecke is viewed as a Premier League-proven and experienced option who would improve things immediately at the back.
Van Hecke is a leader as well. He was touted by many as a future Brighton captain before it emerged that he wanted to leave this summer.
At the same time, there have been many who have seemed unconvinced by Van Hecke. And considering the transfer fee it might take, especially now that Tottenham are involved as well, they should look elsewhere.
It is also now clear that he is open to a move to Tottenham, where he will get the chance to reunite with Roberto De Zerbi. So, all things considered, Chelsea should take themselves out of this race.
Which other centre-backs have they been linked with?
It is quite clear that Chelsea will have other centre-backs on their radar as well. A few of them are Premier League-proven, just like Van Hecke.
Maxence Lacroix is a name that has been brought up time and again. The fastest centre-back in the Premier League has done well at Crystal Palace.
He has been their defensive leader at the back since Marc Guehi left to join Man City. And it might take a smaller transfer fee to sign him.
At the same time, there are plenty of centre-backs not in the Premier League also being suggested. Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen being an example.
