Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has said that Man City, who have recently been linked with making a move for Chelsea left-back, Ben Chilwell have been interested in him for a long time.
The Sky Blues are in dire need of a reinforcement at left-back, despite the report about Joao Cancelo’s relationship with Pep Guardiola not fully breaking out after he was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich. After all, a return on a permanent basis seeming unlikely, as per the Daily Mail’s credible journalist, Jack Gaughan.
However, it seems as if Man City have kept a close eye on Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell for ages, at least according to Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio Romano says Man City have held interest in Chelsea ace Chilwell for years
City seem to be cursed when it comes to left-backs since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group at least, with Gael Clichy and Aleksandr Kolarov never fully convincing in the role, Benjamin Mendy’s injury and legal troubles, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s exit and now Joao Cancelo’s sudden loan move.
But it seems as if Man City are hell-bent on signing Ben Chilwell, who joined Chelsea for £50 million (Sky Sports) in 2020, as they have kept tabs on him for a while, as per Fabrizio Romano, who told Caught Offside, “Ben Chilwell is one of the players who has been appreciated by Man City for years. He’s one of the left-backs to consider, but I’m told, not the only one.”
Would Chilwell be the right fit?
Well, first and foremost, Pep Guardiola once called the England international a ‘really talented player’ during his time at Leicester City, which could explain the club’s longstanding interest in him.
While there is no questioning that Ben Chilwell is one of the very best left-backs in the world, he has missed as many as 53 matches in total in two seasons, including the ongoing one, which is a red flag and a key reason why Man City should avoid a move for him, despite the revelation by Fabrizio Romano.
Aside from the ex-Foxes star’s availability, his athleticism may also have endured a steep decline, which is not a problem City should allow themselves to have to deal with.
