Knockdown fee close to agreement as Chelsea make Chilwell breakthrough

Ben Chilwell

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Ben Chilwell after making progress in talks over the deal.

Chilwell has emerged as Chelsea’s top target for the left-back position. Doubts linger over the futures of Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso, so Frank Lampard is looking for a new first choice.

At the top of his shortlist is Chilwell, who has become England’s main left-back. He made 27 appearances for Leicester this season, before missing the end of the campaign with injury.

Until now, Leicester’s valuation of Chilwell has proven problematic for Chelsea’s hopes of signing him. The Foxes are demanding around £75m for the 23-year-old.

However, Football Insider claims Chelsea are close to a breakthrough and could soon strike a deal with Leicester.

They state that after extensive talks between the two clubs, Leicester are now willing to accept a reduced £50m package for Chilwell.

The advancement of talks appears to have come around after the player made it clear he wanted to join Lampard’s side.

Chelsea will compete in the Champions League next season and Chilwell feels his game can improve further by making the move south.

There remains some talking still to do before a deal can be officially ratified for Chilwell. However, it seems a matter of when not if Chelsea will land their man.

The Blues have been busy this summer and have already spent £80m to sign Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. But their spending shows no sign of abating either.

 

A deal for Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen also appears close. That prospective transfer was given a ringing endorsement by a Man City star on Wednesday.

Deals for both Chilwell and Havertz could see Chelsea’s summer spending rocket towards the £200m mark.

Chelsea have also been linked with Alex Telles, but reports in Portugal claim he is now destined to join their Premier League rivals.

Chilwell, though, was always Lampard’s top choice. He has been one of the Foxes’ standout performers this season with three goals and four assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

 

Chelsea legend set for shock Everton switch

Costa.Hazard.Ivanovic.Chelsea.TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, a former three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea says he will “probably” be playing at Goodison Park next season.

The Carlo Ancelotti connection seems to have proved pivotal, and club have reportedly already made a “good offer”.

Read the full story here.