Chelsea considering move for Ajax star as Ben Chilwell alternative
Chelsea have identified a cheaper alternative for Chilwell in Nicolas Tagliafico.
A left back is understood to be top priority for Frank Lampard and Chelsea this summer. With Emerson and Marcos Alonso‘s futures at Stamford Bridge in doubt and Cesar Azpilicueta turning 31 this year, Lampard is thin on options.
Ben Chilwell has long been considered the ideal heir at the position for the Blues. However, Leicester’s superb performances this season under Brendan Rodgers could hand the Foxes the upper hand at the negotiating table.
Leicester are now 3rd on the Premier League table, 5 points ahead of Chelsea and just 4 behind Manchester City. Considering that Champions League football for next season is more or less guaranteed, convincing Chilwell to leave will not be an easy task.
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The 23-year-old would cost at least £40 million, a figure that is unlikely to be affected much by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Telegraph, Lampard is now considering Ajax Amsterdam’s Nicolas Tagliafico as a cheaper alternative.
The Blues have already agreed a deal for an Ajax player to join them next season – playmaker Hakim Ziyech is on his way to England for a fee of €40 million.
Argentine international Tagliafico has been capturing the attention of European clubs in the last couple of years, particularly in Ajax’s stunning run to the Champions League semifinal last season.
At the age of 27, he wishes to play at a higher level, and prefers a move to the Premier League ahead of LaLiga or Serie A.
Having only joined Ajax over 2 seasons ago, Tagliafico has become first choice left back for the Dutch giants, and has proven that he can play at the highest levels as well in the Champions League.
He would also cost considerably lesser than Chilwell, with Chelsea potentially using their newfound relationship with Ajax to seal a deal for around £22 million.
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Meanwhile, discussions are still ongoing over a potential date for the Premier League’s return, with clubs expected to resume contact training soon.