Chelsea linked with Paris Saint-Germain defender — report

Right-back and vice-captain Branislav Ivanovic may not be the only culprit behind Chelsea's bad season so far, but there's no denying that his current form isn't nearly as good as last season's. That coupled with his contract situation might have triggered Chelsea's interest in Paris Saint-Germain defender Gregory Van der Wiel, as reported by French outlet Le 10 Sport.

Le 10 Sport aren't exactly a super solid source, but the Blues have been linked with Van der Wiel since 2011, with the player eventually leaving Eredivisie club Ajax for PSG.  That ended up working out quite well for us — we signed César Azpilicueta instead — unlike for Van der Wiel himself, who has struggled to maintain his place as PSG's first-choice right-back.  He lost his place as a starter last season to Marquinhos and in the current one to Serge Aurier. Still, Chelsea aren't the only club reportedly chasing the PSG player as Inter Milan are also interested in his services.

Van der Wiel kept from his 2011 self the same characteristics that first attracted all that attention from Chelsea and others: he's still got a lot of pace and attacking prowess, although he also continues to struggle defensively at times. Still, with Ivanovic's contract ending by the end of the season and the player's future hardly assured at Chelsea, this can become a story to watch for in the next transfer window.