CHELSEA are reportedly confident of signing Ben Chilwell but Leicester will demand the same £80million fee Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.
Blues boss Frank Lampard has made a left-back one of his priorities this summer with England international Chilwell top of their wishlist.
Chelsea are reportedly confident of signing Ben Chilwell from LeicesterCredit: Rex Features
According to Goal, Chelsea lead the race to sign the 23-year-old full-back but will be confronted with a huge £80m price tag.
The Foxes are under no pressure to sell Chilwell, as they currently sit third in the league, one place above the Blues, and on course to qualify for the Champions League.
It is understood Leicester have a strict policy of allowing only one key player to leave the club each year, a rule that helps keep stability in the squad.
And with playmaker James Maddison also in demand, Chelsea could be forced to pay the inflated price for Chilwell.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta has regularly switched flanks this season with left-back duo Marcos Alonso and Emerson suffering injuries and inconsistent performances throughout the campaign.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini urged Emerson to leave Stamford Bridge in order to gain more regular football.
And Alonso is wanted by ex-manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, with his Premier League winning team-mate Victor Moses currently on loan at the San Siro.
Lampard also has Porto’s Porto’s Alex Telles and Getafe’s Marc Cucurella as alternatives should he fail in pursuit of Chilwell.
Reports in Spain are even suggesting Chelsea are not willing to meet what would be a record fee for Chilwell – with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker the most expensive full-back at £50m.
How Chelsea could line up with Coutinho and Dembele joining Ziyech if Lampard lands summer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
