Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed the club is relaxed about the future of Ben Chilwell amid rumours linking him with a summer move to Chelsea.
By snapping up the pair of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, Chelsea have made it clear their intentions after their transfer ban was lifted, and the Blues still have more plans for the upcoming transfer market.
Despite strengthening his attacking options ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, Frank Lampard remains keen on signing Chilwell as he is unimpressed with the performances of both Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso in the left-back position.
However, the Foxes have issued a statement to Cheksea that they will need to cough up a fee of up to £75 million if they are to price the England left-back away from the King Power Stadium, with Rodgers brushing off the rumours at his press conference on Thursday.
“There’s no need to comment on it. He’s come back, he looks fantastic,” the Leicester boss said. He’s come back refreshed and in everything he’s done he’s looked exceptional.
“We’re relaxed on it. It’s a sequence the club is used to now, and when you have a talented group of players they’re going to make the headlines. But I’m pretty relaxed on it.”
Though as it stands Leicester would be playing in the Champions League next season, Chelsea are looking to use that same competition – should they secure a top four place – to lure the 23-year-old from Rodgers’ team.
A new left-back seem to be a priority for Lampard and he remains firm on raiding the transfer market for one, with Glen Johnson backing Chilwell to be an excellent addition to the gaffer’s squad.
“I’ve said many times I am a fan of Chilwell, I like the way he carries himself,” the ex-Chelsea full-back told talkSPORT. “You don’t really hear him unless it’s football related which I like, and I think he’s the sort of player Lamps would connect with.
“He’s the sort of out-and-out left-back they haven’t had for a while. I know Ashley Cole was irreplaceable, but in terms of a natural, solid left-back, they haven’t had one for a while and I think he’ll do very well.
“Alonso is a fantastic player, but I don’t think he’s a solid natural left-back. There’s no doubt he is a wonderful footballer but Chilwell is a natural full-back.
“It’s a hefty price tag if there is any truth in that but if they can pull a deal off that they believe is reasonable then I think it’s a player they should try to get, yes.”
