Grading every Chelsea signing of the summer transfer window
4. Ben Chilwell
Left back was Chelsea’s biggest area of concern and has been for quite some time. Conte knew it, Maurizio Sarri knew it and Lampard did too. The Blues tried for Juventus’ Alex Sandro on multiple occasions, instead ending up with Emerson to pair with Marcos Alonso. Whenever the club strayed away from a wing-back heavy formation, these players merely turned into stop gaps. The defensive flaws of the two Conte signings have already been exposed on numerous occasions this season and the second-year Blues manager was even forced to play club captain Cesar Azpilicueta on the left last year, as well. The Spaniard was decent, returning to his old position, but he ultimately didn’t cut it as the ideal left back choice.
Chelsea had its options this summer, being linked to Chilwell, Alex Telles, Nicolas Tagliafico, Sergio Reguilon and others. Ultimately though, Lampard’s No. 1 choice was always the Englishman; and it’s easy to see why after just a few games in a Blues kit. Given Alonso’s abysmal performance—and off-field antics—at The Hawthorns and Emerson’s costly error vs. Spurs, supporters have been given a breath of fresh air with Chilwell. The 23-year-old has racked up a few assists across all competitions and even scored in his full Premier League debut. Things are only up from here as Chilwell regains his fitness.
However, as far as transfers go, this deal has Marina Granovskaia written all over it. Leicester City was originally asking for something in the ballpark of Harry Maguire’s £80 million fee. In the end, the Blues played the waiting game and secured the services of the left back for nearly half of that (£50 million). Chilwell’s acquisition will go a long way in solidifying the back line and his years of Premier League experience cannot be overlooked either. Overall, business cannot get much better for the Blues.