Not Havertz: Lampard ‘in love’ with key summer transfer target, claims journalist

Frank Lampard is very keen to bring Ben Chilwell to Chelsea

Speaking on The Beautiful Game podcast (h/t Express), reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is in love with Ben Chilwell.

The Leicester City star is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. He has also been identified as Chelsea’s top pick to replace Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri. (h/t Express)

The Chelsea boss is keen to improve the backline that conceded 54 goals in the league this season. In fact, no other team in the top ten conceded more.

Frank lampard is very keen to bring Ben Chilwell to Chelsea
Ben Chilwell is Chelsea’s top left-back target

Leicester are keen to hold onto their star and have slapped an £80m price tag on his head. Paying it will make him the most expensive defender in the world alongside former Leicester star Harry Maguire. (h/t Express)

A major advantage Chelsea hold is the ability to offer Champions League football next season. The Foxes looked set for the same but fell away after the restart. They eventually finished fifth and missed out on Europe’s top competition.

Chilwell, too, is keen to leave and play at the highest level. Chelsea can certainly offer him that. (h/t Express)

Sergio Reguilon is seen as an alternative to Chilwell
Sergio Reguilon is seen as an alternative to Chilwell

“Left-back, they will go for a left-back because Frank Lampard is in love with Chilwell.”

Despite his admiration for the Foxes star, Lampard is remaining pragmatic. Given the large fee, the Blues manager has also prepared a back up of potential alternatives to Chilwell. (h/t Express)

Romano goes on to add that Chelsea will go for either Nicolas Tagliafico or Sergio Reguilon if they miss out on Chilwell. (h/t Express)

Emerson could return to Italy
Emerson could return to Italy

He did, however, also reveal that Chelsea will have to sell before they buy. Of the two left-backs already at the club, Emerson looks to be on his way to Italy while Alonso’s future remains uncertain. (h/t Express)

“They’re going to sell Emerson Palmieri and buy a left-back.”

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Chilwell is an excellent player, who is competent in both attack and defence. There is little doubt that he would improve the Chelsea left flank.

However, given the price Leicester have demanded, it is debatable if he is worth it. What does not, however, appear debatable is Chelsea’s intention to bring in a left-back this summer.

Who it is, remains to be seen.