Leicester City seeking a world-record fee for Ben Chilwell
According to the Mirror, Chelsea will have to pay a world-record fee for a defender if they are to sign Ben Chilwell.
The Leicester City star features at the top of the Blues’ hunt for a new left-back. He will, however, cost a king’s ransom to bring in.
If it does come to pass, it will be the second time in two summers that Leicester has sold off a defender for a record price. Current Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire swapped the King Power Stadium for Old Trafford in a deal worth £80million.
Chelsea have already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner for a combined £86.4million. With Kai Havertz also on the agenda, the Blues are shopping at the high end of the market.
Chilwell for his part is keen to quit Leicester and move on. Unlike the Foxes, Chelsea were able to hold onto their top-four spot, guaranteeing Champions League football next season.
It is questionable if Chilwell is worth such a fee. With Chilwell’s contract running until 2024, Leicester hold a strong hand in negotiations for the player.
What isn’t in question though is his ability on and off the ball. An all-round player, the 23-year-old can contribute to both the defence and the attack.
Chilwell is keen to hold onto the English left-back spot going into next summer’s Euros. Playing for Chelsea in Europe’s top competition will help him improve and evolve as a player.
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As per the report, talks over Chilwell’s future is expected to step up later this month. With the new Premier League season starting on September 12, there is no time to waste.
Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri are Chelsea’s two left-backs. The former has been the more preferred option this season.