Why Leicester City should sign Matt Targett as Chilwell replacement
According to the Daily Star (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City have been credited with an interest in Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett, with the Foxes currently on the lookout for a new signing to replace departed graduate Ben Chilwell.
The Foxes continue to be linked with several left-backs, including Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Atalanta’s Robin Gosens, following Chilwell’s departure to Chelsea. Now, Targett is the latest name to emerge on Brendan Rodgers’ shortlist. (h/t Leicestershire Live)
Profile
Born in Eastleigh, Matt Targett rose through the youth ranks of Southampton before breaking into the first-team picture at St.Mary’s during the 2014-15 campaign.
The 24-year-old never really managed to establish himself as a regular starter at his boyhood club due to stiff competition for places. He spent time on loan at Fulham in the Championship before completing a £15m move to Aston Villa last summer.
Targett established himself as a regular fixture in Villa’s starting eleven under Dean Smith, despite facing competition from Neil Taylor. The former England U21 international was one of the club’s better players as the Midlands outfit narrowly beat the drop, accumulating 2 goals and 2 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
Why Targett could replace Chilwell at Leicester
Chilwell’s departure has left Leicester with a massive void to fill heading into the upcoming campaign. The only alternatives currently available at Rodgers’ disposal are 34-year-old Christian Fuchs and James Justin, who is primarily a right-back by trade.
The impressive emergence of academy prospect Luke Thomas towards the back end of the previous season remains a massive positive for the Foxes.
However, the youngster lacks enough experience and an immediate replacement for Chilwell should be an absolute priority for the club, especially with Leicester set to compete in the Europa League.
The Foxes have been linked with Tagliafico and Gosens, both of whom enjoyed productive campaigns last time around at their respective clubs. However, it goes without saying that investing in someone like Matt Targett with Premier League experience would be a much safer option for Leicester.
Targett boasts 71 career appearances to his name in the Premier League so far, having scored twice and contributed with 7 assists in the English top-flight. Those are promising numbers and even more so when you consider that he still has his best years ahead of him at 24.
The former Southampton man is also versatile enough to play as a wing-back or as a winger further up the pitch. Chilwell used to possess those qualities and thus, an attacking full-back like Targett would be a natural replacement for the departed star.
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Verdict
With Chilwell departing, Leicester are in desperate need of a new left-back this summer. Signing Targett, to that end, would be a step in the right direction for the Foxes. The 24-year-old has Premier League experience and still has plenty of room for improvement. Leicester can soon forget the pain of Chilwell’s departure if Targett manages to deliver on his potential.
