Rodgers sends Chelsea message as Leicester set Ben Chilwell fee
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insists he remains totally relaxed over Ben Chilwell amid interest from Chelsea.
Chilwell is on Chelsea’s shopping list as Roman Abramovich embarks on a massive summer spree. Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner have already been brought in, with the German confirmed on Thursday.
Now the Russian has his eyes on five more big names – and Chilwell appears top of the list.
Chelsea, however, have been told it will cost £75m to sign the England left-back and they are prepared to stand their ground.
They employed a similar tactic last summer when selling Harry Maguire to Manchester United – and Rodgers remains totally calm.
“There’s no need to comment on it. He’s come back, he looks fantastic,” Rodgers said. “He’s come back refreshed and in everything he’s done he’s looked exceptional.”
Asked again about his future, Rodgers added: “We’re relaxed on it. It’s a sequence the club is used to no. When you have a talented group of players they’re going to make the headlines. But I’m pretty relaxed on it.”
Three players Leicester are keeping are Wes Morgan, Christian Fuchs and Eldin Jakupovic, who have all agreed one-year extensions.
Rodgers added: “I think their contributions have been outstanding in different ways.
“Off the field it’s so important that you have a strong spirit as a club and you’ve got outstanding senior professionals, and all three of them come into that bracket.
“Wes speaks for himself – wherever and whenever he’s played for me he’s been absolutely top class.
“Obviously he’s taken more of a role on the bench this season. But he’s still instrumental and absolutely vital for the spirit of this club. That honesty and leadership he gives is absolutely crucial.”
Chilwell move backed by Glen Johnson
Frank Lampard is looking for a new left-back after failing to be won over by either Emerson Palmieri or Marcos Alonso. The pair look likely to move on this summer.
Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson reckons Chilwell would be a fantastic addition.
“I’ve said many times I am a fan of Chilwell. I like the way he carries himself,” Johnson told talkSPORT.
“You don’t really hear him unless it’s football related which I like. I think he’s the sort of player Lamps would connect with.
“He’s the sort of out-and-out left-back they haven’t had for a while.
“I know Ashley Cole was irreplaceable, but in terms of a natural, solid left-back, they haven’t had one for a while. I think he’ll do very well.
“Alonso is a fantastic player, but I don’t think he’s a solid natural left-back.
“There’s no doubt he is a wonderful footballer but Chilwell is a natural full-back.
“It’s a hefty price tag if there is any truth in that but if they can pull a deal off that they believe is reasonable. I think it’s a player they should try to get, yes.”