Why Chelsea must plot a summer swoop for Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell

According to ESPN, Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell is said to have been identified as a “priority summer transfer target” for Chelsea. The Blues will apparently look to see off competition from the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United for the Foxes defender.

Ben Chilwell, 23, is one of the finest young left-backs in the Premier League. He has played 20 league games this season, scoring two goals and assisting thrice. The defender had a fine game against Chelsea, scoring in the 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium. The 23-year-old is expected to make it to Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2020.

Chelsea were only able to enter the market last month after having their transfer ban reduced to one window. Frank Lampard, who replaced Maurizio Sarri at the start of the season, couldn’t improve his young squad in January after the summer arrival of Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund and the permanent signing of Mateo Kovacic.

The Blues have looked sloppy at the back this season, with Lampard’s young side conceding 34 goals in 25 games. None of the defenders has performed consistently, so it is an area Lampard should prioritise addressing before the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

Full-backs are increasingly important in the modern game. In Reece James, Chelsea have a hugely promising young right-back but they need someone similar on the left if they are to become a dominant force in Europe. Neither Marcos Alonso nor Emerson Palmieri has performed consistently to nail down a position at left-back, forcing Lampard to switch skipper Cesar Azpilicueta from right-back position to the opposite side.

Keeping that in mind, the Blues must make a move for Ben Chilwell in the summer. As per WhoScored, he has averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.2 clearances and 0.3 blocks in 20 Premier League appearances. He has supplied two goals and three assists for Leicester so far this season.

Emerson Palmieri, meanwhile, has averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1 clearance and 0.1 blocks in 14 Premier League appearances. Going forward, the Brazilian is yet to score or make an assist for the Blues. [Courtesy: WhoScored]

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Emerson may have better numbers when it comes to tackles and interceptions but he isn’t as effective as Chilwell when going forward. Chilwell has been one of the best players for Leicester this season and being an attacking left-back, he could become an important part of the Chelsea team for many years to come.

Verdict

All in all, Lampard should sign Chilwell from Leicester. The England international would undoubtedly bolster Chelsea’s defence, which has looked sloppy throughout the season.