Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are loving life at the moment and you can see why with the way things are going for them right now.

Since Antonio Conte’s switch to a 3-4-3 the men from Stamford Bridge have soared up the Premier League table to now sit above everyone else at the top of the standings.

Indeed, it’s a big turnaround from how things went last season and now, as January looms, here by the bar we’re expecting new signings to help cement their position.

Certainly, The Times seems to be in agreement with such an idea as they are reporting that the Blues are looking at Virgil Van Dijk.

The Saints defender has been superb this season and could now move to the Bridge in what our landlord thinks would be a great move for both parties.

Why we hear you ask? Well, here are two reasons that explain why Chelsea must win the race to sign him up…

Ensures three orthodox centre backs

The current back three is David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta with the Spaniard once again making do out of position.

Naturally, a man of his talent is doing a fine enough job back there at the moment but you have to think having three natural centre backs would be a better way forward for Chelsea. It would also allow Azpilicueta to become a right wing back, something our landlord thinks he’d be very good at.

 John Terry’s long-term replacement

John Terry has been out of the side for sometime anyway but his current replacements David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both nearer the end of their careers than the starts anyway.

Conversely, Van Dijk is in his mid-20’s and so has plenty more to offer before he is done so would naturally be the heir to the skipper’s throne. Our landlord thinks the Dutchman has more than enough presence to be the star of the show in Chelsea’s defence.

Agree Blues fans? Let us know below!