Manchester City set to battle Chelsea over Chilwell

Premier League giants, Manchester City are expected to run up against rivals Chelsea in a tussle to sign Leicester City left-back, Ben Chilwell this summer, according to reports.

Chilwell has been one of Leicester City’s most consistent performers this season, helping the Foxes stay in third place behind Liverpool and Manchester City. The 23-year-old’s solid displays have understandably drawn the attention of Chelsea and City and both clubs are now expected to go toe-to-toe to try to secure his services from next season.

According to the UK’s The Telegraph, City manager Pep Guardiola is likely to have another look at Chilwell for a summer move if he decides a left-back is needed. Injuries have affected Benjamin Mendy’s progress at City while the Ukrainian, Oleksandr Zinchenko could be pushed further forward into a midfield role.

It is also understood, however, that Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard made Chilwell a transfer priority for the upcoming window. With Marcos Alonso and Emerson both struggling to impress this season, a new left-back is certainly on the wish list.

Chilwell, being young and English and with 95 Premier League appearances under his belt after replacing title-winning defender Christian Fuchs, is an ideal candidate for both teams. He has impressed once again this term with two goals and three assists, including a goal against Chelsea in February.

Leicester’s demands, however, could well scupper any deal. Brendan Rodgers’ side are in no dire need of selling, they are financially strong and have Champions League football ahead of them. The club held out for £85 million from Manchester United for Harry Maguire last summer and the report adds they value Chilwell similarly.

The Foxes have however been linked with Argentinian international left-back, Nicolas Tagliofico, suggesting a readiness to sell. While the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the transfer market is still unclear, Leicester will ensure any sale of their academy graduate is on their terms.

Manchester City learnt all about Leicester’s resolve when selling a star player in 2018 when they spent a club-record £60 million to land Riyad Mahrez. They broke that record last year on midfielder Rodri but they may well be forced to smash it once again to get Chilwell.

Chelsea, transfer record stands at the £71.6 million they paid for Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018. They look set to spend around £53 million on RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner after Liverpool pulled out of the race due to financial reasons.

Reports at the weekend suggested the Blues are “confident” a deal can be arranged with their FA Cup quarter-final opponents. However, should Leicester’s asking price put them off, they have also been linked with Porto’s Alex Telles, AS Monaco man Fode Ballo-Toure and Robin Gosens of Atalanta.