How Liverpool signing Konstantinos Tsimikas will affect Chelsea’s pursuit of Ben Chilwell
Chelsea have identified signing a new left-back as a priority in the summer transfer window.
Leicester City star Ben Chilwell remains the club’s top target. However, with years to go on his current contract, the Foxes hold a strong hand in negotiations.
Although the player too is keen on moving to Stamford Bridge, his asking price continues to be a stumbling block in negotiations.
Leicester are seeking £80m for the England international and are under no financial pressure to drop their asking price. Leicester have also been looking at players who can replace Chilwell if a transfer does go through.
One of the players in the fray was Olympiakos defender Konstantinos Tsimikas. However, Liverpool moved swiftly to capture the 24-year-old ahead of the Foxes.
With their alternative to Chilwell now gone, this could directly impact their willingness to sell the Englishman. With the Foxes now needing to rethink their transfer targets, it is possible that they will dig their heels in over Chilwell until a suitable replacement is identified.
This could prove to be a problem, with Chelsea also looking elsewhere for alternatives. The likes of Sergio Reguilon and Nicolas Tagliafico have been identified as cheaper alternatives to the Foxes star.
With Liverpool now forcing Leicester’s hand, Chelsea might decide to go ahead with their interest in other players.
According to ESPN, Chelsea are in advanced talks for Reguilon. The Spanish defender impressed while on loan at Sevilla. On loan from Real Madrid, the La Liga giants are open to selling him this summer.
Reguilon played a key role as Sevilla eventually finished fourth and qualified for next season’s Champions League. The player’s agent Kia Joorabchian is a familiar face for Chelsea. He also represents former Blues midfielder Willian, who left the club recently.
More Chelsea News
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- Chelsea keen on signing Marc Cucurella
- Ethan Ampadu could join Fulham on loan
Chelsea’s loss to Bayern showcased the deficiencies in the backline. With both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri failing to impress, Lampard cannot afford to not change things up.
