Liverpool mesmerised by Chelsea defender as coaches encourage summer bid to beat Arsenal to deal
Liverpool have been taking an interest in a Chelsea defender who has also become an Arsenal target, according to a report.
There could be business between Liverpool and Chelsea in the summer, since Blues midfielder Mason Mount is on the Reds’ radar. Given that his contract at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in 2024, Mount might be someone Liverpool can feasibly sign.
But he may not be the only Chelsea player in line for a move to Anfield this year. A recent report reminded of Liverpool’s interest in recent Chelsea signing, Benoit Badiashile.
Yet there is another Chelsea defender who could be targeted by Liverpool, according to the latest reports. Per Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp’s team are now keeping tabs on Levi Colwill.
Colwill is currently on loan at Brighton from Chelsea. He was a part of the Brighton backline that kept a clean sheet against Liverpool when they beat them 3-0 in January.
The 20-year-old will be due to report back to Chelsea in the summer. After coming through their academy, he is under contract with his parent club until 2025.
Chelsea might be bracing themselves for interest in Colwill by the end of the season. Simultaneously, Brighton may be realising that a permanent deal for him might be out of reach.
After all, he is now becoming a target for some more traditionally established sides. According to Football Insider, current Premier League leaders Arsenal are also keen on Colwill.
But it is Liverpool who generate the main focus of the report, since their coaches are said to be “seriously impressed” by the former Huddersfield Town loanee.
Chelsea prospect attracts Arsenal and Liverpool
Since he is a left-sided centre-back, Colwill appeals to Liverpool. All of their current centre-backs are right footed, whereas their new target could provide some balance.
It is not yet clear how much it might cost to prise Colwill away from Chelsea, or if they have any plans to renew his contract in west London. The report does say that the Blues would be “reluctant” to lose control of his career at this stage.
However, offers could be coming their way in the summer. And after how much they have spent in the past couple of transfer windows, they might need to make some difficult decisions while balancing the books.
Colwill could therefore have to consider his future. Across 11 appearances so far this season, he has shown some potential. He started five consecutive Premier League games, concluding with the Liverpool fixture, before suffering an injury.
Once he shakes that issue off, the England under-21 international will be able to look forward to a bright future. Exactly where it will take him might become clearer in the summer.
Colwill should listen to Liverpool
If Liverpool do make an offer for Colwill, it is one he should consider. At the rate Chelsea have been signing players, it could only be a matter of time before his pathway there is blocked.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are actively looking to evolve their defence for the future. Although their main focus is on bringing in midfielders like Mount, they could do with another centre-back.
Colwill has the kind of potential that Klopp could develop. Furthermore, if other staff members are attracted by him, like the report indicates, he could receive plenty of support at Anfield.
Alternatively, Arsenal might be worth considering too. Mikel Arteta has been showing his faith in plenty of young players throughout the season.
That said, he does already have a left-footed centre-half to call upon in the shape of Gabriel Magalhaes. Hence, Liverpool’s need for a player of Colwill’s style might be greater than Arsenal’s.
But the chance to join the potential Premier League champions could be appealing too. And with Chelsea failing to generate any kind of momentum this season, moving to Liverpool might be a step up too, since they seem to be shaking off some of their own difficulties.
Yet if Chelsea have shown faith in Colwill from a young age, he might have a point to prove there too. Some big decisions will be coming up for him over the next few months.
