Chelsea remain determined to keep Levi Colwill at Stamford Bridge amid interest from Manchester City in the central defender.
According to 90min, Chelsea would like to retain Levi Colwill when he returns from his loan at Brighton. The London club are aware of the growing interest in the centre-back, but they will decide on the future of the 20-year-old in the summer.
Levi Colwill is having an interesting season on loan at Brighton. The 20-year-old joined the Seagulls on a year-long deal as part of the move for Marc Cucurella, who joined the Blues last summer.
Under current Chelsea boss Graham Potter, Colwill only saw 12 minutes of Premier League action and was never picked by the manager until he left for Stamford Bridge. New Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi did not pick the 20-year-old for his first nine games in charge. But the defender has become indispensable since.
He started five consecutive games, including wins over Southampton, Everton and Liverpool. He has since suffered a muscle injury, which has kept him out of the subsequent fixtures. Once he regains fitness, Colwill could return straight into De Zerbi’s teamsheet.
His performances have also led to rumours that Gareth Southgate might look into calling him up for England. Despite the positives he achieved quickly, Colwill’s long-term future remains in considerable doubt, and he could have to make a big decision in the summer.
Chelsea expect Colwill to return and they will likely decide on the future of the 20-year-old. From the player’s perspective, he will have seen the club’s activity in the transfer market, especially for central defenders, as the Blues signed Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly and Benoit Badiashile in two windows.
They also remain linked with Josko Gvardiol, who could play in a position Colwill would take up. Hence, the 20-year-old might be concerned about game time next season due to the competition for places. With his contract expiring in 2025, the defender might look at the future and look for a move away.
Chelsea do not want to lose one of their most promising talents and want to avoid watching him sign for a rival like Manchester City. Pep Guardiola could enter the market for a new left-sided centre-back if Aymeric Laporte departs amid substantial interest from Spain.
The Spaniard’s departure would leave a big void at the back, and Guardiola could look at a young star like Colwill to come in. The Manchester City boss also remains keen on Gvardiol, although he might see Colwill as a cheaper alternative.
Meanwhile, Brighton do not have a buy option included in the deal. The Seagulls could approach Chelsea for another loan deal or jump ahead of the queue if Colwill becomes available on a permanent transfer. Another temporary move would benefit Chelsea. But they might want the defender to sign fresh terms before departing.
