Chelsea are reportedly facing competition from Manchester City in the race to sign Ben Chilwell in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Chelsea are not the only club vying for the signature of Ben Chilwell. Manchester City have now entered the chase for the English defender, with Leicester City valuing him as high as Harry Maguire, who was sold to Manchester United for £85 million last summer.
Chilwell has become a hot property in the transfer market on the back of two stunning campaigns in a row. Now one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, the 23-year-old is a regular for both club and country. His progress, though, has helped him draw interest from Chelsea, whom he is open to joining. The Blues, though have now been joined by Manchester City in his pursuit.
Chelsea desperately need a new left-back, with Frank Lampard forced to deploy Cesar Azpilicueta in the position in several games this season. Neither Marcos Alonso nor Emerson Palmieri is a reliable presence at the back, with the latter struggling to make an impact going forward too.
As a result, it is clear that Chelsea ought to sign a top class left-back, especially with defence ideally being their priority now that they are set to sign Timo Werner soon. Manchester City, on the other hand, will have three left-backs in their squad post the end of the season, when Angelino returns from his loan spell at RB Leipzig.
The German club reportedly have no intention of signing Angelino on a permanent deal. Having said that, the 23-year-old’s future at Manchester City is uncertain and considering the fitness issues that have plagued Benjamin Mendy over the course of his Manchester City career, Pep Guardiola could do with a left-back.
What also explains City’s interest in a left-back is the fact that the versatile Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a possible exit. Even if he stays, it is likely that he will be used in midfield next season, once David Silva has left the club. With that in mind, the Premier League champions have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Chilwell.
Having said that, there is a stumbling block in way of both Chelsea and Manchester City, with Leicester valuing their full-back around the £85 million mark, the same price that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire last summer.
In case they are priced out of a move, Chelsea and Manchester City could target Aaron Hickey. For now, though, it looks like the Citizens will challenge the west Londoners in pursuit of Chilwell and it remains to be seen if they make a move for him in the coming weeks.
