Chelsea close to signing Ben Chilwell from Leicester City in a deal worth £50m
Frank Lampard is determined to mount a Premier League challenge next summer.
As talks to sign Kai Havertz progress at a hasty pace, Chelsea, in the meantime, have conquered another signing in Leicester City defender Ben Chilwell. The English full-back has been a long-term target for Frank Lampard to replace Marcos Alonso in the starting eleven.
Since his early days, Lampard had prioritised the bolstering of the left-back spot but a transfer embargo last summer impeded any potential reinforcements. Chilwell, one of the best wide defenders in the Premier League, has garnered attraction from a host of clubs, with Chelsea and Manchester City being the frontrunner.
This summer, though Pep Guardiola is focussed on solidifying his central defence, and Chelsea have had a free run for the signature of Leicester City’s academy graduate. Despite a concrete interest, the talks have not progressed at the desired pace due to Foxes’ demand of £80m.
Citing Harry Maguire’s move to Manchester United as an example, Leicester City representatives have remained steadfast over their price tag. This has caused Marina Granovskaia, Chelsea director, to ponder over sanctioning funds of such magnitude in a pandemic affected market.
Chelsea updates. 🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2020
- Ben Chilwell deal to be completed on next days. He’s always been the main target as LB. Last details then here-we-go soon.
- Thiago Silva talks on (final answer on next week).
- Havertz: Chelsea are negotiating with Bayer and now’re preparing a new bid.
While the Blues work on a deal for Kai Havertz, the prospect of Chilwell being available on a reduced price has emerged, owing to Leicester’s losses during the shutdown and financial implications due to failure to qualify for the Champions League.
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"Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Leicester City to sign their England left-back Ben Chilwell.The club, led by director Marina Granovskaia, had to weigh up whether to commit such a significant outlay on a left-back but there has been no serious consideration over other options for the position.The current financial climate has also led to the fee being lower price than might have been expected. Manchester City were regarded as the only serious potential rivals for Chilwell, but never made a significant move for him. (David Ornstein, The Athletic)"
It is also understood that Ben Chilwell was keen to take the next step in his career and Chelsea provides that platform to compete for the Premier League and Champions League. Previously, Manchester United had made their presence felt in the saga, too, by making an enquiry about the transfer status of the England international.
Also. Manchester United trying to hijack Gabriel Magalhaes transfer. light
With Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner already arriving this summer, Chelsea are extremely close to reaching a breakthrough in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for Kai Havertz. Also, veteran defender Thiago Silva is mulling a move to Stamford Bridge.
All in all, Chelsea would assemble a strong squad for the 2020/21 season when all deals are pushed over the finishing line.