Chelsea defender emerges as target for Manchester City

Manchester City cruised into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-0 win over Championship side Bristol City on Tuesday. 

Phil Foden put City ahead in the first-half, before doubling their lead after the break with his 12th goal of the campaign.

Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne ensured City’s victory with a late goal from long distance, and Pep Guardiola’s side will now turn their attention to their Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Citizens could find themselves five points behind leaders Arsenal if The Gunners defeat Everton on Wednesday evening, which would make a win over The Magpies even more important.

Regardless of how successful their title charge is this season, City are almost certain to strengthen their squad during the upcoming summer transfer window.

With that in mind, City are reportedly plotting a move for one of Chelsea’s most important players.

As per Football Insider, City are targeting Blues full-back Ben Chilwell, whose current contract is due to expire in 2025.

Chilwell is a target for Manchester City this summer 

The reigning Premier League champions are said to be prioritising a move for a left-back this summer, following the departure of Joao Cancelo to Bayern Munich on loan last month.

The deal to send the Portugal international to Germany included an option-to-buy clause, and it is seen as unlikely that the defender will play for City again.

The Citizens did sign Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht last summer, but he is only seen as a squad player by those in charge of the club, the report says.

Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester City back in 2020, and City were reportedly interested in the England international back then.

Since moving to Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old has made more than 70 appearances for The Blues, although he has struggled with injuries.

In total, Chilwell has missed more than 50 matches for his current side due to injury, including more than ten games this term.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea would consider selling Chilwell this summer, although they did spend around £60 million on fellow left-back Marc Cucurella last summer.

The Spaniard has struggled since moving to the capital, though, and Chilwell appears to remain Chelsea’s first choice on the left of defence.