Chelsea, Arsenal to battle for De vrij

Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea are vying for the services of Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij, Italian source Tempo claims.

De Vrij, who is currently in the ranks of Lazio, was linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but a deal failed to materialize.

According to Il Tempo, Arsene Wenger's side are prepared to offer stiff competition to their London rivals in January with the need for a new centre-half being their top priority.

The Netherlands international has been largely successful since his switch from Feyenoord two seasons ago, but he is now on the lookout for a bigger challenge.

De Vrij has less than two years on his existing deal, and has no plans of extending his stay at Lazio unless they place a buy-out clause in an improved contract.

The 24-year-old has appeared in eight league outings for Lazio this season.