Ben Chilwell’s ‘desire’ to move to Chelsea could result in further discounts — report

Before the pandemic, Ben Chilwell was reportedly valued at around £80m. More recently, that price got a COVID-discount of 20 per cent. Now, that £60m price tag could see further reductions.

According to the Evening Standard, Chilwell’s going rate could be “closer” to £50m, which would also better match Chelsea’s valuation. And since Chilwell himself apparently wants to move to West London, Leicester City “could be forced to accept” that price.

Of course, £50m is still no chump change. It would in fact be the most Chelsea had ever spent on a defender by a fair margin, beating David Luiz’s €40m return in 2016.

But £50m is certainly better than £80m, especially if we can collect, say, half of that by selling Emerson to Juventus or whoever. The latest fee puts the rumor closer to the realm of reality rather than the realm of idle speculation.

Outside backs have become increasingly crucial in modern football. Chelsea are set for a while on the right with Reece James and César Azpilicueta, the left side is a much different and less viable situation at the moment. Spending big on Chilwell may be a bit of a risk, but if the price is right, we may not be able to do much better in the current market.