Man City interested in Chelsea man Chilwell

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell is the subject of ‘genuine interest’ from Manchester City ahead of a potential move during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Chilwell not always a regular

The 26-year-old has suffered a frustrating season for the Blues overall, not always managing to make himself an important part of Graham Potter‘s plans and dealing with injury issues.

Chilwell has only actually started eight Premier League matches in 2022/23 to date, with another seven appearances coming his way as a substitute, with a serious hamstring injury earlier in the campaign also not helping matters.

Marc Cucurella has often been preferred on the left-hand side, starting 18 times in the league, and the Englishman has a battle on his hands moving forward.

It could even be that an exit from Stamford Bridge materialises this summer, with a new update suggesting that that could end up being the case.

The Latest: Man City interested

According to The Athletic’s Simon Johnson, there is ‘genuine interest’ from City regarding a move for Chilwell at the end of the season, as Pep Guardiola looks to bring in a new left-back to replace Joao Cancelo.

It is stated that the reigning Premier League champions were keen on signing him back in 2020, prior to him eventually joining Chelsea instead.

The Verdict: A worry for Blues

While Chilwell hasn’t been a regular starter for the Blues this season, losing him would still be a blow this summer, given the overall quality he possesses.

Thomas Tuchel described the England international as ‘very important’ during his time as Chelsea manager and he possesses defensive nous and attacking quality that few other left-backs in the country do.

Chilwell is now a 17-cap England international, and having only turned 26 years of age back in December, his peak years may well still be ahead of him.

Cucurella hasn’t exactly enjoyed a standout first season at Chelsea and it could even be argued that Chilwell has the higher ceiling moving forward – they both have two league assists this season, despite the latter playing far less, for example – further showing why the club would be wise to keep hold of him this summer.

The lure of City can be great for any player, however, given Guardiola’s reputation as arguably the world’s greatest manager and the team’s constant likelihood of silverware, so it would be hard to begrudge Chilwell a move there, especially if he isn’t playing enough in west London.