Chelsea among Premier League clubs circling Jan Paul Van Hecke | OneFootball

Chelsea are one of the Premier League clubs circling Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul Van Hecke, according to VI.NL.

Van Hecke has impressed the Blues with his reading of the game, impressive tackling and progressive passing.

The 25-year-old has won 56 percent of his aerial and 66% of his ground duels in the Premier League this term.

He has helped keep seven clean sheets and contributed three goals and two assists in 30 league appearances.

Chelsea reportedly want height and physicality at the back, and Van Hecke fits the bill. He can form a long-term partnership with Levi Colwill.

He can also fill in the left-centre-back slot adeptly when the Englishman is not in the picture. Described as a ‘leader and role model’, he is exactly what they need.

Van Hecke’s potential arrival will spell doom for Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Both players have looked uncomfortable in the right-centre-back position this season, and Chelsea should move on from them this summer.

Chelsea must move quickly this summer

The Blues must use their Brighton connections to snap up Van Hecke before other interested parties, such as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

They need a battle-hardened, Premier League-experienced, quality centre-half in their ranks, and Van Hecke fits the bill.

Chelsea must also sign another physically imposing defender who dominates the box.

Como’s Jacobo Ramon should be the other name on the Chelsea shortlist. He is a physically dominant yet progressive defender who can significantly improve the backline.

Their potential arrival allows the Blues to move on from Fofana, Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile.

It will allow Mamadou Sarr to head back out on loan to smooth the rough edges of his game.

A defensive composition of Colwill, Van Hecke, Ramon, Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong will be excellent under the right tactical blueprint.