According to Foot Mercato, Tottenham Hotspur have identified Ben Chilwell as a potential target. The Leicester City left-back is a candidate as Jose Mourinho looks to add more reinforcements in the defensive department. In fact, Chilwell could even emerge as a transfer priority, although Spurs are also tracking a host of other defenders in the market.
Ben Chilwell: The best left-back in the Premier League
Since making his breakthrough during the 2017/18 campaign, Chilwell has established himself as a premier fullback in the Premier League. He has already made 118 competitive appearances for the Foxes and emerged as a viable long-term replacement for Christian Fuchs.
Especially under Brendan Rodgers, the Leicester City academy product has flourished, having been involved in five goals in 23 matches. His remarkable work-rate, combined with his technical qualities, arguably make him the best left-back in the Premier League.
Chilwell’s consistent performances have already made him England’s first-choice left-back, with the defender earning 11 caps since making his debut back in September 2018. He is tipped to play a key role for the Three Lions in the European Championship next year as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The addition of a star like Chilwell, therefore, could significantly boost the overall quality of the Tottenham backline. Not to mention, it could improve the team’s confidence while signalling a statement of intent in the transfer market.
Tottenham’s left-back crisis
Tottenham’s problems in the right-back department have already been well documented. The Lilywhites have clearly struggled to replace Kieran Trippier, following his move to Atletico Madrid. However, their shortcomings in the right-back slot have overshadowed their apparent crisis on the opposite flank.
With Jan Vertonghen’s contract running out, Ben Davies will remain the only reliable option at left-back next season. Although Danny Rose is set to return to north London in the summer, it won’t be surprising to see the English international permanently leaving the club. Meanwhile, Ryan Sessegnon is much more suited to an attacking role.
That’s where Chilwell could be useful for Spurs. He can compete with Davies for a place in the first-team, and his presence in the team will allow Mourinho to make squad rotations week in week out easily.
Can Tottenham Hotspur afford Chilwell?
It is no secret that Chilwell is going to cost a fortune for Tottenham Hotspur. But, at the same time, Leicester City might have to drop their valuation of the English international in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. A lot could depend on the number of players Spurs choose to offload in the summer as it could significantly affect their transfer budget.
