Despite a late bid from Manchester United, Chelsea have won the race to sign Vitesse Arnhem and Netherlands midfielder.
Chelsea are close to concluding the signing of Marco Van Ginkel from Vitesse Arnhem, with Jose Mourinho personally helping to conclude the deal.
The Mail on Sunday report that the Portuguese manager has assured Van Ginkel that he will feature in the first team for the Blues this season, and not just from the bench – the 20 year-old will be handed a starting role in Mourinho’s Chelsea team.
The newspaper also report that Manchester United made a late attempt to bring the youngster to Old Trafford, but that they have lost out to Chelsea in their pursuit of the young Netherlands international.
Van Ginkel is a central midfielder who has earned early comparisons with Stamford Bridge legend Frank Lampard, who became the highest goalscorer in Chelsea history last season.
His eight goals and ten assists in 33 Eredivisie appearances for Vitesse Arnhem are a hugely impressive total for the club at such a young age, and although there is no guarantee he will be able to replicate such figures in the Premier League,
Lampard is now 35 years of age, and though he has signed a one year extension to his contract to stay next season, he is certainly in the twilight of his career.
Regardless of how long he stays at the West London club, the veteran England international’s successor looks to have been identified.
Jose Mourinho will hope that Lampard can act as a mentor for the young Van Ginkel.
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