According to a recent report by The Athletic (paid subscription required), Premier League giants Chelsea are said to have picked out Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell as their number one target for the upcoming transfer window. As has been reported by the BBC, Chelsea’s appeal to the Court Of Arbitration Of Sports against the transfer ban that was issued to them by FIFA last summer has come through with a favourable verdict as well.
With order now restored at Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard is sure to want to utilise the literal war chest of funds that will be made available to him in the winter. The gaffer stated after the verdict was delivered that he was extremely pleased with how things panned out on a footballing level.
The manager kept mum about any transfer talk but didn’t completely play down the rumours either. With reports suggesting that Chilwell is the prime target, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Blues make their first move in the coming weeks.
What Is Ben Chilwell’s Current Situation At Leicester City?
The 22-year-old English left-back has consistently been one of the Foxes’ best players over the last couple of seasons and has been improving his game at a rapid pace. A product of the Leicester youth system, the full-back spent only one loan spell away from the King Power Stadium before he was identified as a potential superstar. Since taking up the role, there’s been no stopping the youngster.
Now a regular with the English national side as well, Chilwell has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the league, if not in the world. The youngster has picked up only three assists and a goal from his 13 league games so far this season, but the degree of influence that he has in the final third is growing every day. The Englishman’s current contract at the King Power Stadium even goes on until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Do Chelsea Really Need To Sign A Left-Back?
The Blues haven’t been in desperate need of signings in any positions so far this season, as can be seen from their impressive runs of form as well as league position. But now that the transfer ban has been lifted, Lampard will be presented with the opportunity to clear out any dead wood and make the subtle changes that he wants to instil in the squad. Looking at the current Chelsea team, there’d be no better place to start than at left-back.
The Blues have often resorted to playing skipper Cesar Azpilicueta on the wrong flank to make sure that they are getting enough defensive cover. Although they possess the likes of Emerson and Marcos Alonso, who are both natural left-backs, in their ranks, neither of them has been able to produce the goods with any consistency.
Why Chelsea Should Move For Ben Chilwell In January
The Blues have looked like a side reborn under the able guidance of former Stamford Bridge hero Frank Lampard. With young stars stepping up in all positions, the Blues’ desire to keep the youthful trend going could land them Chilwell anyway, but moreover, it’s the sheer amount of quality and drive he possesses that should be the selling point. The full-back has shown time and again that he’s one of the best in the league at what he does, and bringing him to West London should be at the top of the Blues’ to-do list.
