According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Premier League giants Manchester United are said to be the latest club to have entered the race for the signature of Leicester City’s prodigious English full-back Ben Chilwell. The report suggests that Frank Lampard’s Chelsea had been the first to register an interest in the speedster, but that Manchester United have since entered the scene as well. The Blues’ desire to acquire a new left-back has been no secret, and Ben Chilwell is reportedly Lampard’s primary target in the position.
Although the report has clarified that Chelsea face United competition for Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell, the £80m asking price that has been placed on his head by the Foxes could come as a stumbling block to the ambitions of both the aforementioned suitors. While a bidding war between the two English giants could be on the horizon, it’s unlikely that either side will pay up the proposed £80m without putting up a fight first. It has further been claimed in the report that the player himself has told friends that he could be on the move from the King Power Stadium this summer.
What Is Chelsea’s Current Left-Back Situation?
On paper, the Blues currently boast two recognised left-backs, who between them, already serve a large variety of requirements on the flank. Marcos Alonso and Emerson are the London club’s two current options in the role, and it’s safe to say that neither of them has been able to nail down a regular place since Lampard’s appointment.
The gaffer, as much as he has preferred to utilise Alonso, even resorted to moving Azpilicueta over to the left flank to try and address the defensive concerns down that end. One thing that can be said with certainty is that signing a new solid left-back would be a step in the right direction for Chelsea.
Spanish speedster Marcos Alonso was initially brought in by Antonio Conte, with the intention of being utilised as the left-sided wing-back in a five-man defensive line. The former Fiorentina man is arguably among the best wing-backs in world football, but when pushed into a back four, the defensive responsibilities seem to overwhelm him often. Emerson, on the other hand, was signed as a more conservative option at the back. Although there were positive signs, the Italian’s jack-of-all-trades nature made it nearly impossible for him to tie down a place in the team.
What Makes Ben Chilwell A Good Option For Chelsea?
The Englishman has been nothing short of a sensation on the left flank for Leicester City over the last couple of seasons. The speedster has managed to earn quite the reputation for himself in the Premier League, despite still being just 23-years-old. Chilwell tends to offer a solid presence while going forward, and that is arguably what has caught Lampard’s attention as a manager. The Leicester man has not had the most consistent of seasons this time around, but there’s no need even to begin doubting his overall quality and potential.
Chelsea Face United Competition For Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell: Should Lampard Go All Out?
One thing that’s for sure is that there is an urgent need for a new left-back option at Chelsea. Last season was a clear indicator of the lack of quality that Chelsea possess in the role, and the acquisition of a name like Chilwell could be the best way to solve their issue down that flank. The big-money signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech highlight Lampard’s hopes and ambitions for next season and going into a campaign like that with Emerson and Alonso as the two left-back options could turn out to be the perfect recipe for disaster.
