Chelsea are closing in on Ben Chilwell
Chelsea are closing in on Ben Chilwell

Chelsea and Leicester close to agreeing deal for defender Ben Chilwell


Chelsea are nearing the signing of Leicester defender Ben Chilwell with the two clubs close to agreeing a deal.

The England international has been Frank Lampard's number one target for the left-back position and various reports say that a deal is likely to be completed next week.

Talks between the two clubs over the 23-year-old have been under way for some time with the Blues targeting a number of new recruits in the transfer window.

Leicester have been holding out for £80million, the same fee Manchester United paid to sign Harry Maguire last summer, while Chelsea are hoping to have that figure reduced in a structured deal.

Chilwell, who has spent his entire career with the Foxes, is said to be keen on the move.

However, despite a deal appearing close, Leicester are under no pressure to sell with Chilwell's current contract running until 2024.

The prospect of Champions League football has made the left-back want the move, according to reports, after Chelsea secured a top-four spot on the final day of last season.

Leicester left back Ben Chilwell's Premier League stats for the season
Leicester left back Ben Chilwell's Premier League stats for the season

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.

The Blues are also pushing for a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for 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 14/1 with Sky Bet to win the Premier League title next season.


Odds correct at 1250 BST (22/08/20)

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