Man City have ‘genuine interest’ in devastating Chelsea raid amid shock Todd Boehly transfer stance

Ben Chilwell and Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea

A trusted source has confirmed Manchester City are pursuing Chelsea left wing-back Ben Chilwell in what would be a huge loss for Graham Potter.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea spent £50million when signing Chilwell from Leicester City in August 2020. He moved to Stamford Bridge on a five-year contract after an impressive spell with Leicester.

The Englishman has proven himself to be a good performer for Chelsea, with the Blues feeling his absence hugely this season.

Chilwell was out of action between November 6 and January 21 with a hamstring injury. That coincided with Reece James’ injury struggles, as the right wing-back has been battling a knee problem for large parts of the season.

Without Chilwell and James, Chelsea have lacked strength in wide areas. They have struggled to score many goals as Chilwell and James provide such good crosses from their respective flanks.

James played against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week but missed the 3-1 away victory over Leicester due to illness. Chilwell, though, is back in the team and he sent Chelsea on their way to all three points by opening the scoring in the 11th minute.

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A deep cross from Kalidou Koulibaly found Chilwell in space and the 26-year-old managed to beat goalkeeper Danny Ward at his near post with a first-time volley.

Patson Daka equalised for Leicester in the 39th minute, but Kai Havertz restored Chelsea’s lead just before the interval.

Ben Chilwell shining for Chelsea amid Man City interest

Mateo Kovacic ensured the Chelsea win by joining Chilwell and Havertz on the scoresheet in the 78th minute to make it 3-1, while Wout Faes was sent off for Leicester late on.

In recent weeks Chilwell has proven how important he is to Potter and the way Chelsea play. But there are growing rumours Man City could swoop in for him at the end of the season.

Last month, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed how City have ‘appreciated’ Chilwell for a long time. City boss Pep Guardiola has created a shortlist of left-backs to replace Joao Cancelo and Chilwell is high up on it.

The Athletic have now reiterated the fact City want the England international. They state how the Citizens have ‘genuine interest’ in landing him this summer.

Despite Chilwell’s huge importance to Chelsea, an exit from west London ‘cannot be ruled out’ due to Guardiola pushing for his signature.

Incredibly, Chilwell could be one of 12 Chelsea players to depart in the summer. Blues chairman Todd Boehly has decided this is how many players need to leave the side ready for next season.

There are likely two factors at play here. The first is to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions. Having spent over £600m since a Boehly-led consortium bought the club, stars need to be sold to balance the books.

Secondly, Potter will be finding it tough to keep so many players happy. The squad needs trimming down to avoid top stars from getting angry that they are not always on the pitch.

Meanwhile, an attacker at a top European club has urged his team to raid City for an expensive star this summer.