Chelsea transfer news: Conte could reunite with Vidal, Luiz in talks with Real Madrid and more - 27th December 2017
Antonio Conte discusses Arturo Vidal post Boxing Day win
With the January transfer window about to swing open in less than a week, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has admitted that he is eyeing a summer reunion with Bayern Munich star Arturo Vidal.
According to The Mirror, Vidal, whose contract with the Bundesliga club runs until 2019, could move to Stamford Bridge for an expected fee of £60 million.
Vidal, with whom Conte won three Serie A titles, could be an invaluable asset in Chelsea's 3-4-3 formation as a box-to-box player behind the strikers.
The race for Vidal intensified as following Chelsea's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Boxing Day Conte said, "Arturo is a fantastic player, I have a great respect for Arturo, and we spent many years in Juventus together. If we go to war, I’d always want him with me."
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City vying for Van Dijk's signature
Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, who was left out of Southampton's squad for the Boxing Day clash against Tottenham Hotspur, is available for a staggering £70m world record fee in the upcoming transfer window.
The Saints had rejected bids from Liverpool and Chelsea earlier this year, but, following a string of below-par performances, manager Mauricio Pellegrino has revealed that the 26-year-old is free to go in January.
As per The Telegraph, the former Celtic star has a number of potential suitors in Liverpool, Manchester City and the Blues vying for his signature.
Chelsea to fight Arsenal for James Tarkowski
According to the Daily Star, the London clubs are plotting a summer swoop for the Burnley centre-half with a £30m price tag to strengthen their back line.
Conte, who has been monitoring Virgil van Dijk’s situation, considers James Tarkowski as an alternative if he fails to land the Dutchman.
Tarkowski, who is serving a three-match suspension, joined Sean Dyche's side in February 2016 from Brentford and is under contract with the Clarets until 2019.
David Luiz on Real Madrid's radar
Reportedly, David Luiz is set to leave Stamford Bridge after a fall-out with Antonio Conte and Goal.com has claimed that Newcastle United are the latest club to show interest in the outcast Chelsea defender.
The Brazil international clashed with Conte after he was substituted during Chelsea's 3-3 Champions League draw with Roma in October.
Although Arsenal and Juventus are also interested in Luiz, Real Madrid are being considered front-runners for a potential January swoop.
There have been speculations that Luiz has already agreed to a deal with the La Liga giants as the 30-year-old is doubtful about his future in London under the Italian manager.