Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly face competition from Bayern Munich in their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij.
According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur will be rivalled by German champions Bayern Munich in the race to sign Inter Milan and Netherlands centre-back Stefan de Vrij in the summer transfer window.
De Vrij has been with Inter Milan since 2018 when he signed from fellow Serie A side Lazio on a free transfer. The Dutchman has been a rock at the back for the Nerazzurri since arriving. He has racked up 155 appearances in which he has eight goals and six assists. He played a vital role in Inter Milan’s Serie A triumph last season and has been crucial to the defence of their title in the ongoing campaign.
De Vrij, though, will be entering the final year of his contract with Inter Milan at the end of the season. And the 30-year-old could be on the move this summer, especially with the Italian outfit’s difficult financial situation. Tottenham Hotspur are heavily linked with a move for the defender, but they will now have to battle Bayern Munich for his signing.
Tottenham are keen on reinforcing their defensive line before next season after having had some issues at the back this term. Cristian Romero has been a good fit since arriving in the summer. Eric Dier and Ben Davies have upped their game under Antonio Conte. However, Davinson Sanchez remains as inconsistent as ever, while both Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga could leave in the summer.
So, it is imperative that Tottenham bring in at least one new central defender. Given Conte’s ties with Inter Milan and de Vrij, the 30-year-old has emerged as a key target for the north London club. However, Tottenham will now face competition from Bayern Munich in their pursuit of the Netherlands international.
Bayern Munich are also in the market to add more quality to their defensive line considering Niklas Sule will join for Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in the summer. Dayot Upamecano has had a difficult debut season in Bavaria and could do with a more experienced defensive partner to guide him along the way. De Vrij, to that end, has emerged as a transfer target for Bayern Munich.
The former Lazio ace is also being pursued by the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa as well, with reports claiming that Inter Milan will likely demand €20 million for his services. The fee should not be an issue for both Tottenham and Bayern Munich, and it remains to be seen if either club launches a swoop for de Vrij come summer.
