Manchester City to raid Chelsea again for £40m man as Josko Gvardiol alternative

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is one of the best emerging young centre backs. The Englishman just won the U21 EURO with England and has seen his stock skyrocket over last season. Colwill is now attracting interest from several top Premier League clubs.

The 20 year old spent the last season on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion and was a mainstay in the Brighton defence under Roberto De Zerbi. Colwill was considered as one of the brightest prospects emerging from the youth academy. CFC loaned Colwill to Huddersfield in 2021 and he played an important part in Huddersfield’s third place finish in the second division.

Last season, the arrivals of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana would have inhibited Colwill’s growth so the Blues decided to loan him out again where he could play regularly and blossom into an excellent young centre back. At Brighton, he excelled under the possession based yet free flowing system of De Zerbi.

Manchester City view Chelsea defender Levi Colwill as Gvardiol alternative

So much so, that the Seagulls launched a £30 million bid earlier this summer which was rejected by the Blues. Mauricio Pochettino is said to be a huge fan of Colwill and wants to keep the 20 year old at Stamford Bridge.

Koulibaly’s departure and Trevoh Chalobah’s potential departure opens up places for Colwill in the first team. He may not be the first choice but there will be plenty of chances for the England U21 international to play at Stamford Bridge.

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea have even rejected Brighton’s highest offer of £40 million for Colwill. The South coast side is no longer pushing for Colwill and are seeking cheaper alternatives to reinforce their defence. On the other hand, Manchester City seem to be eyeing a move for Colwill.

Manchester City have cantered to four Premier League titles in last five years and are in no mood to give up their multidimensional pursuit of trophies as they continue to bolster their squad with elite talent. RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol remains a top target for the Premier League champions but if the deal is to collapse, Man City will turn their attention to Chelsea’s Colwill.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned as interested parties in Colwill but Chelsea’s stance is clear that the player is not for sale. Pochettino wants to count on the Englishman as he looks to make use of the home grown players.

Will CFC manage to keep Levi Colwill at the club?