Chelsea Prepare Summer Swoop for Manchester United Target Arturo Vidal - Report

Chelsea are preparing a swoop for Manchester United and Real Madrid target Arturo Vidal in the summer, according to the Mirror.

The midfielder has been in brilliant form over the past few seasons for Juventus and will be a major boost for Jose Mourinho's side which has been found wanting in the central midfield region at times this season. The Blues have already bought Nemanja Matic this season but are looking to strengthen further with Jon Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard unlikely to stay at the club for much longer.

Ramirez has also been a liability this season owing to his activities on the pitch, which has earned him a four game suspension to add to the three game ban he received against Aston Villa last month.

Chelsea will face competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid, who have been heavily linked with the player in the past. However, Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has put a €100 price tag on the player.

Vidal is among the best box to box midfielders in Europe, with his stats testament to the flair he brings to the side. The Chilean has scored 11 goals this season and assisted five, a brilliant return for a player who starts in midfield. His defensive contribution is also noteworthy and will be a great replacement for Lampard who is known for his goal scoring ability from a deeper role in midfield.

Chelsea are currently second in the league, five points behind Liverpool, having played the same number of games. The Blues will travel on Anfield on Sunday as they look to bring the difference down to two and give themselves a chance with three games remaining in the season.

Mourinho had previously threatened to hot a weakened line-up against Liverpool in anticipation of their game against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League but has hinted at reverting to a proper eleven in the pre-match press conference.

"Wait for Sunday and on Sunday you will know our team. The most important thing for me is my club and the supporters of my club. I have to defend my club and I have to defend Chelsea supporters," Mourinho said.