Leicester star Ben Chilwell is reportedly edging towards the exit door at the King Power Stadium after the club missed out on qualification for the Champions League.
Chilwell has emerged as Frank Lampard’s top transfer target at left-back this summer and Chelsea are preparing to make a serious push for the 23-year-old England international. Manchester United and Chelsea secured the final Champions League spots on the final day of the Premier League season, with Leicester having to settle for Europa League football next term.
Though fifth place was Leicester’s second-highest finish in their history, it’s unlikely to be enough to convince Chilwell to commit his future to the club.
According to The Sun, Chilwell wants to be playing in Europe’s premier competition next season and believes a move could help him nail down England’s left-back berth ahead of the postponed Euro 2020. It’s understood Chelsea may have to spend as much as £75million to lure Chilwell to Stamford Bridge, with Brendan Rodgers determined to keep hold of the defender. Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico has been heavily linked as a possible alternative in recent weeks.
Chelsea have been making up for lost time in the wake of their two-window transfer ban after wrapping up deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner but it appears they have a fight on their hands in landing Chilwell.
Earlier this month, Rodgers insisted he was ‘relaxed’ about Chilwell’s future and underlined that the full-back was not for sale. ‘He’s not a player we want to lose. I’m quite relaxed on it. I’m not worried at all,’ the Leicester head coach said. ‘We’ve got a fantastic squad that we want to keep together so I don’t worry.
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