Chelsea open talks with Leicester over Ben Chilwell transfer as left-back eyes London move - 7M sport

Chelsea open talks with Leicester over Ben Chilwell transfer as left-back eyes London move



Posted Saturday, May 09, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Chelsea open talks with Leicester over Ben Chilwell transfer as left-back eyes London move
Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have reportedly entered talks over a move for Ben Chilwell (Image: GETTY)

Chelsea have entered negotiations with Leicester over Ben Chilwell after the left-back reportedly told his agent he wants a transfer to London.

Chelsea have opened talks with Leicester over a deal for Ben Chilwell in the summer transfer market, according to reports. The England international has also supposedly told his agent that he desires a move to London.

Chelsea are keen to bolster their defensive options this summer as part of a wider overhaul with manager Frank Lampard looking to stamp his mark on the squad.

The Blues are currently without a stand-out choice at left-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri having all featured there at various points this season.

Alonso reclaimed his starting berth shortly before the Premier League campaign was suspended, meaning Emerson now looks most likely to move in the upcoming transfer window.

Juventus have been touted as a potential destination, with the Italian expected to link up with former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri at the Allianz Stadium.

Alonso could also still head for the exit if Chelsea were offered the right price, so Lampard is therefore keen to nail down a replacement as soon as possible.

A host of options including Alex Telles, Marc Cucurella, Nicolas Tagliafico and Fode Ballo-Toure have all been linked with a move in recent weeks.

However, Chilwell has long been recognised as Chelsea’s priority target on the left side of defence and the Blues are now said to be in talks over a move for the Leicester star.

Spanish outlet Todofichajes claim Chelsea have entered negotiations with the Foxes and are leading a gaggle of top European clubs - including Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain – in monitoring the 23-year-old.

The report goes on to state that Chilwell has told his agent he would like to continue his Premier League career in London, making a Stamford Bridge switch all the more attractive.

However, Chilwell is highly rated by Leicester and is believed to carry a price tag similar to the £80million fee Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire last summer.

The youngster has made 23 Premier League appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season, scoring twice and providing two assists to help the Foxes up to third in the table.

Telles would be a cheaper option, with the Brazilian available for just £40m if his release clause at FC Porto is triggered.

Other names mentioned include Atalanta ace Robin Gosens, Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett and FC Basel ace Blas Riveros, who would all be available for cheaper than Chilwell.

Chelsea may be tempted to save money by pursuing one of these targets, meaning other areas of the squad could also receive hefty investment.

A striker and attacking midfielder are a priority, with Willian and Pedro both out of contract and Tammy Abraham currently shouldering the majority of the attacking burden.

Jadon Sancho is one such name who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but Manchester United are in the driving seat to sign the Borussia Dortmund star.

Lampard also wants reinforcements in central defence and it remains to be seen whether Kepa Arrizabalaga will be replaced.



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