Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has refused to discuss rumours his club is interested in signing Arsenal's star forward Alexis Sanchez, saying it shows alack of respect to discuss another club's player.Speaking ahead of the Blues' upcoming match against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, Conte downplayed the Sanchez talk, per ESPN's Liam Twomey:"I don't think it's right to talk about the other players of other teams. It's not right. Now we are totally focused on the next game against West Brom. January or next season are very far [away] for us."Conte was at pains to stress he doesn't want to offend his London rivals:"It's not right to talk about the players of other teams. It's a lack of respect for their players, their clubs, my team and my club."Rumours have been building about Chelsea's interest in Sanchez despite Conte's reservations about expressing it. The Daily Mirror's Darren Lewisrecently reported how Chelsea will make a move for Sanchez if negotiations over a new contract with the Gunners remain at an impasse: "They have so far made no approaches, but they will register their interest if the Arsenal forward makes it clear he will not sign a new deal."Sanchez and fellow Arsenal star Mesut Ozil have around 18 months left on their current respective contracts. The problem is the marquee pair want wage parity with some of the Premier League's biggest earners, particularly Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, according to James Olley of the London Evening Standard.It's a situation naturally generating interest not only among Arsenal's league rivals, but also at some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Sanchez would be a welcome addition to almost any team, but Chelsea may be one of the few squads who don't have an obvious need for the Chilean.The Blues have reached the top of the league thanks to an awesome forward line led by striker Diego Costa. With 11 goals, he's the Premier League's joint-top scorer along with Sanchez, per the division's official site.Costa has also received ample support from Pedro and Eden Hazard. Their pace, trickery and intelligent movement from the flanks have made the Blues devastating on the break.Sanchez could certainly operate from either wing for Chelsea, but he's become more prolific since moving through the middle for the Gunners. It's a transition the former Barcelona man has made with spectacular results this season, but it's one likely to put him in competition with Costa.Sanchez is a world-class talent, but this is Costa's team. He's the best centre-forward in the league and a player who, like Sanchez, demands to be the focal point.Chelsea would be better served looking for more supporting acts for their main man rather than ruffling his feathers by adding another star attraction.Blues to Rival Manchester United for Virgil van DijkChelsea don't necessarily need another star forward, but Conte's squad could use a better centre-back or two. Southampton's Virgil van Dijk is one target the Italian is said to be keen on.The Blues will reportedly rival Manchester United for the standout Saints defender, according to Paul Joyce and Rick Broadbent of the Times: "Van Dijk, 25, has emerged as one of the best centre halves in the Premier League over the past 15 months and his form has placed him on the radar of Chelseas Antonio Conte, while United manager Jos Mourinho is also interested in the Holland defender, who joined Southampton from Celtic for 13 million in the summer of 2015."United's links to Van Dijk have been consistent during recent weeks. The Daily Mirror's David McDonnell credited United with interest last month, although he stressed the Red Devils would have to pay as much as 30 million.Yet Neil Moxley of the Sunday Mirrorrevealed earlier this month how the former Celtic ace has a release clause worth 25 million in his contract.Van Dijk would be a significant upgrade on any of Chelsea's current centre-backs. He's quicker and better on the ball than Gary Cahill, more aerially dominant than Cesar Azpilicueta and a more assured tackler than David Luiz.Van Dijk is the type of defender who can naturally succeed 36-year-old John Terry as captain. He's also a more ready made performer than talented but injury hit youngster Kurt Zouma.Chelsea are bossing the Premier League thanks to their fluidity and efficiency in attack as well as the brawn and energy of their midfield. Still, there are doubts about a defence breached 11 times this season.The Blues were thumped 3-0 by Arsenal in September, and although they beat Manchester City 3-1, Conte's men surrendered several excellent chances the Citizens should have taken.It will be issues at the back that undermine Chelsea's charge to the title if anything does. Signing Van Dijk in January would put any of those doubts to rest.
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