Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell could establish himself as the Blues' first choice left-back for "many years" if he was to swap the King Power Stadium for Stamford Bridge.
The England international, who scored a stunning goal during the Foxes 1-1 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon, has established himself as one of the most consistently performing left-backs in the Premier League over the past few seasons, which has forced Chelsea to identify him as one of their top transfer targets ahead of the next transfer window opening for business.
Chilwell has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the past few weeks, with Blues boss Frank Lampard, who watched his side make a winning start to the Premier League's restart on Sunday afternoon, defeating lowly Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park, desperate to bolster the left-back berth this forthcoming summer.
And with Chelsea's interest in Chilwell soaring, former Blues star Cole, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, is confident that the 23-year-old could make the left-back spot his own at Stamford Bridge, taking the next step on his career ladder in the process.
“Similar to [Timo] Werner, he fits the ethos – he is young, he’s hungry, he’s explosive and athletic,” Cole told the Mail on Sunday, as he opened up on Chilwell's talents.
“I think he’s got a lot of talent, if he comes to Chelsea, working with the group there – in Brendan [Rodgers] he’s got a great manager and a great team up at Leicester. But Chelsea’s a step up from Leicester.
“I know they are sitting above Chelsea in the table at the moment but having the opportunity to work with Frank and improve would be immense for him.
“He’s got the left-back position for England in his hands at the moment.
“My advice would be to keep performing, keep consistent and if he does do that he can be England’s left-back and, if he does come to Chelsea, Chelsea’s left-back for many years. He’s a terrific player, a real talent.”
This season, Chilwell has been one of Leicester's star performers in their quest to secure Champions League football for next season, racking up 24 Premier League appearances, during which time he has scored three goals and registered three assists.
