Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Ben Chilwell from Leicester City, after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has explained what Ben Chilwell will bring to the club, after his move to Stamford Bridge was confirmed.
The Blues announced Chilwell’s arrival on Wednesday, after a deal in the region of £50million was agreed with Leicester City.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was desperate to sign a new left-back this summer, with Chelsea linked to a number of names including Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon.
But it is understood Chilwell was always Lampard’s first choice, and the Blues have finally got their player, with the defender signing a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
“We are very pleased to have completed our third addition to our exciting squad for the coming season,” Granovskaia told the official club website.
“Ben brings plenty of top-level experience playing in the Premier League, Champions League and at international level, despite his young age.
“We are confident Ben will adapt very quickly to being a Chelsea player and with the fixture programme for 2020/21 especially busy, he is a fantastic addition to the squad needed to challenge for honours.”
Speaking after the deal was announced, Chilwell explained why he made the switch to west London and cited Chelsea boss Lampard as a key factor behind his decision.
“Massively important,” Chilwell told the Chelsea app, when asked about Lampard’s influence on the deal.
“I obviously wanted to play for a massive club but talking to Frank before I came was one of the main reasons I wanted to come.
“He installed a lot of confidence in me and told me how the system suits the way I play. He seemed a really good guy you can talk to about stuff away from football.
“That’s very important for a young player, a manager you can get on with and talk to stuff about. He’s very keen on young players, you can see that since he’s been here.
“Talking to him was a massive reason for me wanting to come.”
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