With the transfer window edging closer to closing, Manchester City continue to be linked with a host of players. The latest player to be linked to the club is Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell. A new report indicates that the champions are considering a move for the England international. But is another left-back a major priority for Pep Guardiola’s side? That appears to be the issue at hand that scupper any City move for the Chelsea left-back.
Fraser Gillan has reported for TeamTalk that Ben Chilwell is open to leaving Chelsea. Gillan further reports that recent comments from new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca have upset the left-back. Furthermore, Gillan goes on to report that Manchester City could move for the Chelsea left-back. Gillan adds that Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of the England international. Lastly, Gillan adds that a fee of at least £40 million would need to be paid for any club to sign Ben Chilwell.
Ben Chilwell is a proven player but is a left-back a pressing need for Manchester City?
Ben Chilwell has proven during his career that, at his best, he is a proven Premier League performer. He has shown that at Leicester and at times with Chelsea. What has halted Chilwell’s career in recent seasons has been injuries. But at his best he is an England international and one of the better left-backs in the Premier League. Chilwell is more of an attacking left-back which is something Manchester City do lack in their squad. But despite this could the world champions move for Ben Chilwell? On closer inspection that may not be the case.
As it stands currently Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake will likely play left-back for Manchester City this season. Josko Gvardiol showed last season that he is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. With his scope for improvement, he could take his game up another level this season. Nathan Ake has proven time and time again that he could do any job he is asked to do by Pep Guardiola. Whether that is at left-back or centre-back, Ake rarely, if ever, lets Manchester City down. Based on that fact alone there doesn’t appear to be a need for Ben Chilwell at Manchester City.
There appear to be more pressing needs for City to address during the remainder of the transfer window. Support for Rodri and another attacking player seems to more urgent requirements for the world champions. That looks to be another factor that could rule out any City move for Chilwell.
At his best Ben Chilwell could slot into Pep Guardiola’s squad. He is a proven Premier League performer and a England international. But despite Fraser Gillan’s new report suggesting City could move for Chilwell it appears that there are areas that need addressing in the Manchester City squad. Manchester City could move for Chilwell but it doesn’t appear to be a realistic scenario at this stage.
