Sporting Life
Ben Chilwell has joined Chelsea
Ben Chilwell has joined Chelsea

Chelsea complete signing of Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell

By Tom Carnduff
Football
Wed August 26, 2020 · 4y ago

Chelsea have completed the signing of England and Leicester full-back Ben Chilwell.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge club - moving for a fee reported to be around the £50million mark.

Speaking to the club's official website, Chilwell said: "I am delighted to be joining Chelsea at this very exciting time for the club.

"I’m looking forward to being a part of this young, dynamic squad led by Frank Lampard as we challenge for honours next season.

"I can’t wait to get started and hopefully it won’t be long before we’re playing in front of the Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge."

Chilwell was Frank Lampard's number one target for the left-back position and the two clubs were able to strike a deal following Leicester's initial reluctance to sell.

The defender, who has spent his entire career with the Foxes, was said to be keen on the move.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: "We are very pleased to have completed our third addition to our exciting squad for the coming season.

Ben Chilwell's Premier League stats for the 2019/20 season

"Ben brings plenty of top-level experience playing in the Premier League, Champions League and at international level, despite his young age.

"We are confident Ben will adapt very quickly to being a Chelsea player and with the fixture programme for 2020/21 especially busy, he is a fantastic addition to the squad needed to challenge for honours."

Chelsea have already been busy as they prepare for the 2020/21 season with the signings of Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and forward Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.

Free agent Thiago Silva has signed a contract with the club and the former PSG defender is set to become the fourth major addition of the window.

The Blues are also pushing for a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for star Kai Havertz.

Chelsea want to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz

The 21-year-old scored eight goals and contributed a further nine assists in all competitions for Leverkusen last season. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Havertz can also play on the wing or in a striker role.

Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk was also said to be a target for Lampard, but the Seagulls captain signed a new contract last week which keeps him at the Amex until 2025.

Left-back Emerson Palmieri, who has made 55 appearances for Chelsea since signing in January 2018, is expected to make way for Chilwell.

Palmieri has been linked with a return to Italy and Inter, who have looked to the Premier League for recruits in recent windows, are keen on a move.

Chelsea are fourth-favourites at 12/1 with Sky Bet to win the Premier League title next season.

Odds correct at 1710 BST (26/08/20)

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