Chelsea to ramp up efforts to land Ben Chilwell this week
According to Sky Sports (h/t Express), Chelsea chief Marin Granovskaia will attempt to speed up the club’s pursuit of Ben Chilwell this week.
The Blues are keen to bring in a new left-back following the unconvincing performances of both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri. Leicester City star Ben Chilwell has emerged as the club’s major target for the position.
However, the Foxes are demanding around £80million for the player. This has put off the Blues, who have already spent a substantial amount on Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. That is even before taking into account our interest in Kai Havertz.
As per the report, Granovskaia is set to focus more on negotiations, with some movement expected this week.
Chilwell is keen to take part in the Champions League. The fact that Chelsea can offer him that is a key reason in his decision to make the switch to Stamford Bridge. (h/t Express)
Leicester looked set to make the top four for the majority of the season. However poor form post restart saw them eventually finish firth. Their loss has now turned out to be our gain.
A major hurdle is Chilwell’s contract at Leicester. With it running until 2024, the Foxes find themselves with a steady hand on negotiations.
The Blues are however prepared for it and have also identified Ajax Amsterdam star Nicolas Tagliafico as a potential alternative. The Argentine is a cost-effective option available for half the price of Chilwell.
With the new season nearing, Lampard is keen to bring in a new left-back before the pre-season training commences.
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Meanwhile, Emerson is close to ending his time as a Chelsea player. The Italian is set to return to his home country with Inter Milan. (h/t Express)
He will join up with the Italian giants once their Europa League campaign comes to an end, freeing up a spot in the Chelsea squad. He will reunite with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who originally brought him to the Bridge in 2018.