CHELSEA are confident of reaching an agreement to sign Ben Chilwell from Leicester City this summer, according to reports.
It is no secret that boss Frank Lampard is craving a left-back in the upcoming transfer window.
Neither Marcos Alonso nor Emerson Palmieri have convinced in the position this term – with Cesar Azpilicueta once again having to fill in there on numerous occasions.
The transfer market is set to be hugely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with many teams struggling in the current financial climate.
But set to add £54million star Timo Werner to the £37m acquisition of Hakim Ziyech, the Blues appear able to survive the economic hit.
And according to The Athletic, Chelsea chiefs are “confident” of prising Chilwell from the Foxes – despite the clubs being some way apart in their current valuations of the player.
Already an England regular at 23, Chilwell is an attractive option to Lampard in terms of age, profile… and given the dearth of quality left-sided full-backs currently residing in the division.
The Guardian claim that Leicester are willing to sell at least one key player this summer – but will demand at least £60m for their No3.
The 11-cap Three Lion made his Foxes debut in their historic 2015-16 campaign.
But he was only able to usurp Christian Fuchs as first-choice the season after, going from strength-to-strength ever since.
One alternative in mind, just in case, is Ajax full-back Nicolas Tagliafico – with the Argentine available for £22.4m.
With a new left-back likely to arrive, Emerson could be sold to Serie A, with a £22m reunion with Maurizio Sarri at Juventus a possibility.
While further forward, with the West Londoners set to lose wingers Willian and Pedro on free transfers, Chelsea could turn to neighbours Brentford for £15m ace Said Benrahma.
