Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants to sign Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell this summer and he has received a boost in his transfer pursuit. The England star is desperate to move and the Foxes are resigned to losing one of their prized assets.
Leicester were going to demand £80m for Chilwell, the same amount they got for Harry Maguire from Manchester United last summer.
But the Blues could now sign the 23-year-old for £30m less because of the player’s desire to leave and the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Evening Standard.
That will be welcome news for Chelsea as they close in on the signing of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner for over £50m.
Leicester are still in a strong negotiating position as Chilwell’s contract runs until 2024 but they have already started looking at possible replacements.
Chelsea are also looking at Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Porto’s Alex Telles as possible transfer alternatives.
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“Because of having such a young squad, and certainly a young strike force, when they’re not at it they’ve lost goals.
“It’s fantastic for the fans to see exciting players being signed. But at some point, Frank has to at some point start thinking about what he’s going to do defensively.
“Azpilicueta has still got some more miles in him. If they sign Chilwell, he’s a good defender. But they need a centre-back.”
Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson believes Chilwell would be the perfect signing for the Blues.
“I’ve said many times I am a fan of Chilwell,” Johnson told talkSPORT.
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“I like the way he carries himself.”
“You don’t really hear him unless it’s football related which I like, and I think he’s the sort of player Lamps [Lampard] would connect with.
“He’s the sort of out-and-out left-back they haven’t had for a while.
“I know Ashley Cole was irreplaceable, but in terms of a natural, solid left-back, they haven’t had one for a while and I think he’ll do very well.
“Alonso is a fantastic player but I don’t think he’s a solid natural left-back.
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“There’s no doubt he is a wonderful footballer but Chilwell is a natural full-back.
“It’s a hefty price tag, there’s no doubting that, but if [Chelsea] can get a deal for him that is reasonable then he’s a player they should try to get.”
Chelsea return to Premier League action against Aston Villa next Sunday as they look to maintain their place in the top four.
Lampard’s side are currently three points clear of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United.