With Chelsea reportedly keen to sign a central defender this summer, they should target Virgil Van Dijk over the experienced Leonardo Bonucci.
Chelsea continue to be linked with a multitude of players as transfer speculation heats up. The Blues are due to strengthen their squad as they prepare for an assault on the Champions League. An area of supposed concern is central defence and the club are rumoured to be circling Virgil Van Dijk and Leonardo Bonucci. The former should be preferred.
According to The Telegraph, Antonio Conte has instructed the board to go after the duo, with the hope of landing one of them.
"Antonio Conte has told Chelsea that he wants Leonardo Bonucci or Virgil van Dijk to bolster his team’s defence next season.Reports from Italy claim Bonucci may be allowed to leave Juventus this summer with Conte tracking the 30-year-old, while Chelsea remain interested in Van Dijk and could try to take advantage of Southampton’s fall-out with Liverpool."
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Conte has been a fan of Bonucci for a very long time, having worked alongside him both at Juventus and the Italian national team. However, the Blues should focus on securing the younger and more exciting Van Dijk.
Bonucci is already 30 years old, hence there is little life left in him. He will be able to deliver next season and perhaps in the following campaign, but he will then need to be moved on. With Gary Cahill currently occupying the veteran defensive role, there is little reason to bring in another ageing centre back.
Van Dijk, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength. After bursting onto the scene with Celtic, Southampton snapped him up in 2015. He has become the focal point of an impressive Saints defence and despite an injury last season, his suitors have only grown.
At the age of 25, Van Dijk is ready to take his rightful spot at the heart of a Champions League defence. He has proven that he has the talent in all relevant departments, being a dynamic defender who can use the ball effectively.
The Dutchman can be the bridge between Cesar Azpilicueta’s solid, yet conservative, play and David Luiz’s high-risk attitude. Having him in the trio will provide Chelsea with one of the best centre-back partnerships on the continent.
Bonucci would be similarly effective in the immediate future, but Van Dijk represents a long-term solution. If Chelsea are to buy a defender, the Saints man must be prioritised.
Having said that, some may point to Andreas Christensen as reason to sign Bonucci. Chelsea have a talented young defender in their ranks. Christensen may not be ready for regular football at Stamford Bridge yet. Hence, having Bonucci place-hold for a season and share duties with the Dane could be another solution.
Next: Chelsea should not waste money on a defender this summer
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