Seven others joining Chelsea in the race for Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell — reports

Chelsea intend to make Ben Chilwell the second of two marquee signings this summer. But that won’t be as straightforward as the deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, beginning with the lack of a buyout clause.

According to the Daily Mirror, there are at least seven other clubs competing with Chelsea for Chilwell’s signature. The 23-year-old, who has been priced at £60m, has been one of the most important members in Leicester City’s rise to ascension, and his homegrown status as well as Leicester’s stable finances mean that the Foxes will need to receive an irrefutable bid in order to even consider selling the left back.

The report claims foreign clubs are interested as well, although there is apparently only one other unnamed club in addition to Chelsea who have a realistic chance of signing the England international.

According to the Telegraph, that one club could be Manchester City. Left back has been a problematic area in recent times, due to Ben Mendy’s injury history, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s proclivity for playing in midfield, and Angeliño’s probable permanent departure to RB Leipzig. Unlike Chelsea, Man City are not prioritizing a move for Chilwell, although he could come into contention should an opportunity arise to sign him at a reasonable price.

While Frank Lampard as well as the club hierarchy are huge fans of the left back, money considerations will obviously factor in the negotiations as well. If Chelsea and Leicester City are unable to reach a compromise, the Blues may well have to look at other targets like Nicolas Tagliafico, who may be available for a third of the price.