Joe Cole has claimed that Chelsea missed a huge opportunity by not trying to sign Virgil van Dijk last season, before the Dutch defender renewed his contract with Liverpool.
Van Dijk has been almost irreplaceable in the centre of the Reds' defence since his transfer from Southampton in January 2018.
The Dutchman, who now also wears the captain's armband, has been a key figure in Liverpool's successes, helping the club win two Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his time at Anfield.
Although the 34-year-old did not appear to be seriously considering leaving Liverpool, Joe Cole believes Chelsea should have tested the situation with an offer to convince the experienced defender to move to Stamford Bridge.
"If it were me, I would have gone very hard for Virgil van Dijk when he was coming to the end of his contract with Liverpool last summer," Cole told Paddy Power.
"You definitely need to have experienced winners on the team."
Cole spoke more broadly about Chelsea's transfer strategy, mentioning other big European teams.
"I would look at the PSG team, which I think is inflated. Players who understand what it means to win and what is required to win."
"I don't believe Arsenal will be able to keep all the players, some of them will be available at the end of the season."
"Unfortunately, the absolute best players won't come to Chelsea because if they are free, then Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool will come knocking and they will go there first," he concluded.Telegraph
