Liverpool look set to pip Arsenal to sign Leicester City’s talented young left-back Ben Chilwell, writes Melissa Reddy in Goal.
We normally wouldn’t pay much attention to reports in this publication, but Reddy is their Liverpool correspondent and has broken exclusive, correct news before.
The report claims that Liverpool are willing to part with £8m for the 19-year-old, who Arsenal bid £3.5m for last summer, unsuccessfully.
Liverpool’s attentions were first drawn to Chilwell in 2015, when he impressed on loan at Huddersfield – managed by Jurgen Klopp’s best friend David Wagner – who lavished praise on the youngster’s ability.
Claudio Ranieri has used Christian Fuchs almost exclusively at left-back this term, meaning Chilwell’s not yet had an opportunity to impress, but Liverpool want the England youth international to compete with Alberto Moreno and Brad Smith next term.
Chilwell is tall, has a wicked left-foot, and his positional sense belies his age. Still, for £8m, Liverpool could surely get a more experienced option.
Jonas Hector starts for Germany and is available for £7.9m, Cologne boss Peter Stoger said back in March, reported in the Echo.
The 25-year-old seems a more obvious signing, especially with doubts surrounding the long-term defensive suitability of Alberto Moreno.
Our pursuit of Chilwell though again reiterates Klopp’s preference to build a young team. He’s already acquired Marko Grujic for next term, and on Sunday selected Liverpool’s youngest ever Premier League starting XI.