Arsenal and Chelsea look set to do battle in January over Lazio centre-back Stefan de Vrij after both clubs reportedly contacted the Serie A outfit over his availability.
It was only under a week ago that reports suggested the Premier League duo were keeping tabs on his situation at Lazio, who are determined to keep the Dutch defender put.
But now La Repubblica, as reported by Metro, claim Arsenal and Chelsea have made official approaches for De Vrij, with the Blues already having an offer knocked back over the summer by Lazio.
De Vrij has yet to extend his contract at Lazio which expires at the end of the season.
Some may say Arsenal still need to strengthen their back-line despite acquiring Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia over the summer, and Arsene Wenger may be looking at De Vrij as a possible replacement for Per Mertesacker, whose deal at the Emirates expires at the end of the season.
AC Milan are also believed to be keen admirers of the 24-year-old defender.
