Report: Chelsea target £70m Ben Chilwell move if transfer ban is lifted

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Frank Lampard wants Leicester City defender Ben Chilwell to become his first signing as Chelsea manager. According to The Sun, Chelsea will move to sign Chilwell in a £70m deal when their transfer ban ends.

Chelsea were unable to sign new players this summer, although Mateo Kovacic’s loan deal was made permanent and January addition Christian Pulisic was allowed to join. The Blues cannot sign anyone until next summer but are hoping that an appeal will overturn this decision and allow new players to join in January.

Lampard’s first game as Chelsea boss ended in disastrous fashion as Manchester United won 4-0 at Old Trafford. And the ex-Derby boss is already eyeing reinforcements to his current squad.

Chilwell is one of his top targets. The England left-back helped Leicester to an opening day clean sheet against Wolves and is renowned for his attacking threat. He provided five assists last season and is a constant threat for the Foxes.

Chelsea could face competition from other clubs for the 22-year-old. Chilwell was tracked by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona but Leicester will hold out for a big fee due to his contract length.

Perfect long-term solution for Chelsea

Chilwell could be the ideal long-term left-back for Chelsea, competing with Emerson in this position. It is time for Marcos Alonso to move on and the academy has not produced a ready-made left-back.

But after Atletico Madrid saw a £71m bid rejected (The Sun), Chelsea might have to pay even more. If their ban is lifted in January, Chelsea might face a battle to sign Chilwell as Leicester will be under no pressure to sell – especially halfway through a campaign.