Chelsea face Man City threat in the chase for 23-year-old PL star

Chelsea to face off against Manchester City for Ben Chilwell

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea will have to compete against Manchester City for the signing of Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keen to bring in a left-back. He has been unimpressed by Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri, and has taken to playing Cesar Azpilicueta there, out of position.

This has seen Lampard make Chilwell his top target for the upcoming window. The 23-year-old has been a regular in the Leicester City team as they look set to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City have entered the race for Chelsea target Ben Chilwell
Manchester City have entered the race for Chelsea target Ben Chilwell (Image Credits: AFP via Getty Images)

We will, however, have to move fast considering Pep Guardiola now has his eyes set on the Englishman. Having seen Emmanuel Mendy struggle with injuries, Pep has identified Chilwell as his best option.

This should suit Leicester just fine as they demand a fee of around £85million for the player. A fee that will see both Chelsea and City break their transfer records.

This should take the asking fee to around the same as that paid for Harry Maguire last summer. Considering that a world-record fee had been paid for the Manchester United captain, matching it now during a financial crisis is risky.

Chilwell came through the Leicester academy before going on to establish himself as the club’s first-choice left-back.

Cesar Azpilicueta can step in at left-back too when needed (Getty Images)
Cesar Azpilicueta can step in at left-back too when needed (Getty Images)

He has made 118 appearances for Leicester and has scored three goals and 12 assists. A solid defender, he is also adept at going forward.

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Alonso had enjoyed a run of good form prior to the lockdown, while Azpilicueta too can step in at left-back when needed.

Chilwell is undoubtedly a talented player who will add more to our team. At 23, he is among the best in his position in the Premier League. Whether we sign him or not remains to be seen.