Add as preferred source on Google
Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of one summer transfer target.
The Blues are expected to be busy in the market and are likely to bring in at least one new central defender.
One name that is currently being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke.
The Marc Guehi ship has sailed… Any experienced alternatives that come to mind ahead of this summer?
Antonio Rudiger? Ibrahima Konate? Marcos Senesi? 👀
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images Jan Paul van Hecke not interested in renewing contract at Brighton
It was recently reported that Brighton could let Van Hecke go for £50m, with the 25-year-old leaving them with no choice but to consider a sale.
Van Hecke’s contract expires in 2027, and he has so far turned down every offer of a contract extension that the Seagulls have offered him, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are all in the mix for his signature, claims Vidal.
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
However, Spurs will have absolutely zero chance of landing him if they go on to get relegated, which looks like a strong possibility right now.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are currently in the relegation zone and have some hard fixtures remaining, including a trip to Stamford Bridge to face their fierce London rivals Chelsea.
Two areas where Jan Paul van Hecke has excelled this season
It is not hard to see why Van Hecke is in demand. At 25 and with 100 appearances in the Premier League, the Dutchman is a fairly experienced defender.
He is also having a great season at Brighton. According to WhoScored, Van Hecke is winning 2.9 aerial duels per game, which is the highest average in Fabian Hurzeler’s squad.
The Netherlands international is also making 5.2 clearances per game, which is again the highest average among Brighton players.
Van Hecke is strong in the air and knows how to deal with danger. That is what Chelsea have probably lacked under Liam Rosenior of late, so he would not be a bad option for them this summer.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox