Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk and Everton’s Romelu Lukaku linked with Chelsea – how would they improve the Blues?

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As reported by The Mirror, Antonio Conte has demanded that Chelsea prepare to spend big this summer, despite being set to win a league/cup double the Italian’s first season at the club.

Regardless of what looks set to be a successful season, the 47-year-old has stated that the club is in a period of transition and need to start replacing players. Later in the same report, it is suggested, albeit not by Conte himself, that Everton’s Romelu Lukaku and Southampton’s Virgil Van Dijk will be the Blues’ top transfer targets.

It is predicted that securing the services of those players would cost in excess of £120million, a good price if it strengthens the squad in two key areas. The question is, would such acquisitions improve the Champions-elect?

Virgil Van Dijk – Southampton

The Dutch centre-half has earned praise across the country for his performances as an integral part of Southampton’s resolute defence, who have kept 11 clean sheets this season and boast the Premier League’s fifth best defensive record.

Rumours circulated in the January transfer window that top clubs, including Manchester City, were preparing bids for the defender, as reported by The Telegraph at the time. This summer Van Dijk will still have five years left on his contract but it is anticipated he will leave, with all of England’s current top-five linked.

In Chelsea’s case, a move for a quality centre-half, who is still just 25 years of age, would make sense, particularly in light of the announcement of John Terry’s imminent departure. The loss of the club Legend is one of the reasons Conte has spoken of transition, and although the side still has options in Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Kurt Zouma and Nathan Ake, the Italian would not want to be short on capable central options for his preferred 3-4-3.

Van Dijk’s statistics this season show him to be an impressive candidate to replace Terry. Based on the average number per match, the dutchman has made more tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances than Luiz or Cahill, and hasn’t made a single error leading to a goal.

Of course, some of these would be expected, as his side faces attacks more frequently than Chelsea. Perhaps most impressive his the ex-Celtic man’s aerial dominance, winning over 4.5 duels per game with a success rate of 75% (compared to 62% and 49%) for the Blues’ current centre-halves.

Given that Conte doesn’t appear ready to trust either Zouma or Ake with more game time, despite praise of the latter after Saturday’s FA Cup win, recruiting such an assured defender before Chelsea’s Champions League return would help ensure they can compete at the highest level.

Romelu Lukaku – Everton

The 6′ 3″ Belgian is a familiar face at Stamford Bridge, having spent almost three years on the club’s books between 2011 and 2014. Much of that time was spent out on loan, with the man touted as Didier Drogba’s replacement enjoying successful spells at both West Bromwich Albion and Everton, before The Toffees secured his permanent services for a club record £30m.

Since then Lukaku has continued to improve. He has notched up a ridiculous number of games for a 23-year-old and has consistently kept a goal-tally to match. Last season the Belgian netted 18 goals in 37 games, and is on track for the Premier League golden boot this time around, having scored 24 in 33 so far.

Chelsea haven’t exactly struggled for goals this year – they are the third highest scorers – but have been short on striking options.

Summer signing Michy Batshuayi has been given just 109 Premier League minutes since his £30m+ move, while suggestions that Diego Costa will leave for China simply won’t go away. The Mail have claimed that an offer which caused a fallout with Conte in January remains on the table.

This could essentially leave Chelsea without a recognised striker, and Lukaku, who has refused to sign an improved contract at Everton, looks to be the most suitable, and available, answer to the problem. Even if Costa were to stay, his recent form of 3 goals in 11 matches is worrying and recruitments will certainly be required.

Lukaku is close to becoming one of the world’s top strikers. He is exceptional in most areas, whilst the common criticisms of his poor first touch and questionable decision-making are areas Conte should feel confident of improving.

At just 23, the Belgian is worth the large transfer fee, potentially £100m, that would be required to praise him from both Everton and the grasps of other interested parties. He has frequently spoken of a desire to play Champions League football and has the strength, power and an eye for goal that would make him an asset for any side.

Both Van Dijk and Lukaku would be astute purchases for Chelsea, setting them up for another successful period at both national and continental level. The club will no doubt be wary of last season’s toils and the embarrassment of finishing 10th as reigning champions.

No side has won successive Premier League titles since Manchester United (2007-2009). Bringing in Van Dijk and Lukaku would put Chelsea in a strong position to bring an end to that.

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