New Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has reportedly shortlisted a talented young English player as his potential next signing, Ben Chilwell, and the Blues could make a bid for him once their transfer ban ends. Chilwell, who has become Leicester City’s first-choice left-back, while also playing for the English national team recently, is one of the most promising prospects in the Premier League.
According to The Sun, Chelsea could place a bid for the player who is worth a whopping £70 million. The report states that Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also keen on adding the left-back to their side, with Atletico’s £71 million offer for Chilwell apparently rejected by the Foxes. Manchester City were also keen on signing the defender in the summer but re-signed Angelino from PSV Eindhoven as they looked to control their costs.
Since making his debut for Leicester City in 2015, Chilwell has gone on to play 91 games for the club, becoming the first-choice left-back at the club. He has also played 7 times for the English national team since making his debut last year.
Worth the outlay?
Ben Chilwell is a talented left-back who has the potential to be a world-class full-back in the years to come. The Englishman has the energy and stamina to bomb up and down the left-back position and is composed when he has the ball at his feet. His good pace and technical ability make him a solid modern full-back, who is a rounded player. Chilwell is a confident dribbler, while he is also good in the air.
Chelsea’s transfer ban could have possibly caused them to lose out on key targets to rivals, while it could also be a threat to the possibility of the club’s top 6 finish in the league. Chelsea and Lampard should certainly make a bid for the full-back, even if it means paying a huge transfer fee of £70 million. Chilwell is just 22 years of age and has the potential to play at a high level for at least a decade.
Chelsea’s current full-backs, Marcos Alonso and Emerson, are decent options but aren’t world-class players that should start for a team like Chelsea once they start operating at their desired level. Alonso is past his prime while Emerson will find it difficult to be a regular first-team option if the Blues have an option to fortify that area.
Chilwell has the talent and temperament to be Chelsea’s first-choice full-back in an exciting, young team being built by manager Frank Lampard.