Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has urged the club to finally replace Ashley Cole by signing Ben Chilwell.
The Blues have been linked with a big-money offer for the Leicester City left-back in recent weeks.
Frank Lampard has already sewn up a deal to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax whilst Timo Werner looks set to join from RB Leipzig.
With the futures of Marcos Alonso and Emerson uncertain, Chelsea have been linked with Chilwell to bolster that position.
With Alonso operating better in a back five and Cesar Azpilicueta initially taking over the role from Cole, Johnson believes Chilwell should be signed to finally offer a long-term replacement for the Chelsea legend.
"I've said many times, I'm a fan of Chilwell," Johnson told talkSPORT.
"I like the way he carries himself, you don't really hear about him unless it's football-related and I think he's the kind of player Lamps (Lampard) would connect with.
"To be fair, I think it's the out-and-out left-back they haven't had for a while. I know the likes of Ashley Cole you can't replace them but in terms of a natural left-back, it would be the first one they've had for a while so I think he'd fit in very well.
On whether Chelsea's current options have lived up expectation, he added: "Emerson, no. Alonso is a fantastic player but I don't think he's a natural, solid left-back but he's a wonderful footballer.
"Chilwell is a natural left-back. It's a hefty price tag if there is anything truth in that but if they can pull a deal off that they believe is reasonable then I think it's a player they should try to get, yes."
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