Chelsea are close to completing a £50m deal for Ben Chilwell with the Leicester City star having already undergone medical checks, according to reports.
Frank Lampard has been desperate to sign a new left-back to reinforce his defence, with Chilwell his long-time top target.
However, the player missed the last five Premier League games of the campaign with a knee injury, with Leicester City missing out on a top four place.
According to The Athletic, the blues are now close to agreeing a £50m deal for Chilwell with the club resigned to losing him.
Leicester have not given serious consideration to options for the position, with Lampard always adamant that Chilwell was his number one priority.
The deal is advanced as Chilwell has undergone a series of medical checks to know the extent of his knee injury and those results were passed to Chelsea.
There are no long-term issues with the player’s injury, though Chilwell will not be ready to play for another three weeks when he joins.
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That means Chilwell is will miss much of Chelsea’s pre-season and it will be touch and go to see if he will be available for the opening game of the campaign against Brighton.
If he is not fit for that game, Chilwell may make his Chelsea debut up against Mohamed Salah when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge.
Chilwell’s arrival will see at least either Alonso or Emerson be offloaded this summer, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James could also cover at left-back as backup to Chilwell.
