Chelsea are making genuinely aggressive moves in the transfer window.
Prior to the end of the transfer window, they have signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.
The deals are clearly designed to take the Blues forward, and help them challenge at the top end of the Premier League table.
They secured a fourth-placed finish on the final day of the season but they also ended the campaign 33 points behind champions Liverpool and 15 behind second-placed Manchester City.
If they are to make the leap, they need to reinforce their defence as well as their attack.
Indeed, they conceded 54 goals in their 38 games, a higher number than every other team in the top 10, including Burnley.
And moves are underway to strengthen their backline.
Football Insider reports that they are making progress in their bid to sign Ben Chilwell from Leicester City.
Frank Lampard has identified the England international as his top left-back target in the coming window, and the deal could well be concluded.
Per the report, they are hopeful of securing Chilwell’s signing for a fee of £50 million.
Leicester initially wanted £80m for the defender but Chelsea are understood to have lowered that price during negotiations with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
A deal is not close, however, and further talks are needed.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
This would be a genuine bargain for the Blues.
Chelsea are in desperate need of defensive additions this summer and Chilwell is the kind of acquisition that would upgrade the squad in a multitude of ways.
He has scored three goals and registered three assists in the top-flight this term, while he also averages 1.3 key passes in the Premier League, per WhoScored.
In addition to that, he makes 1.6 tackles per game, along with one interception, two clearances, and just 1.1 fouls.
He is a top player, and would be another statement of intent from the London club.
More work is needed, but adding Chilwell to Ziyech and Werner would be a brilliant beginning to the summer window.