Manchester City are reportedly lining up Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell in this summer’s transfer window. According to The Times journalist Paul Hirst. Chilwell, 26 is among the target’s on manager Pep Guardiola’s list after current left-back Joao Cancelo left the club on loan to German champions Bayern Munich in the January transfer window. City were previously interested in the former Leicester man in 2020 but fell short of Leicester’s valuation to acquire the Englishman’s services.
Worryingly, Chilwell has featured just 68 times for Chelsea since he moved to Stamford Bridge two-and-a-half years ago. In the 21/22 season, Chilwell featured 13 times scoring 3 goals and assisting 1. Fantastic numbers for a full-back. In his appearances so far this season, Chiwell has played 14 times scoring once and providing two assists. Injuries are a concern, a ruptured cruciate ligament caused him to miss 178 days of the 21/22 and he has already missed 89 days with a hamstring issue so far this season.
When fully fit, Chiwell is impressive in transition using his speed and stamina to join attacks and use his crossing ability to find his teammates. With a player like Erling Haaland this could become an interesting dynamic. The most notable similarity between Chilwell and Guardiola’s system is his ability to combine short passes with teammates to break the opposition press and progress forward. Chilwell can confidently interchange possession quickly and effectively.
It will be fascinating to see if City pursue Chilwell this summer, but if the 26-year-old can stay fit he would be a good option for the Blues.