Chelsea targeting two 'marquee' signings this summer

Chelsea are targeting the addition of two ‘marquee’ signings this summer as the club prepare to invest despite the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Roman Abramovich is preparing to back manager Frank Lampard in the summer transfer window as the club look to bridge the gap to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, the west London outfit keen to secure two ‘marquee’ additions to follow the already confirmed capture of Hakim Ziyech from Ajax.

Despite initial concerns over the Blues’ spending ability in the current climate, owner Abramovich is believed to be as ‘enthusiastic’ as ever and prepared to sanction big-money deals, with Lampard keen to strengthen both in attack and at left-back.

The club’s finances will also be boosted by significant fees received from Eden Hazard’s move to Real Madrid last summer and Alvaro Morata’s £48m permanent switch to Atletico Madrid.

According to The Athletic, chief amongst Lampard’s list of targets is Leicester defender Ben Chilwell. The England international has impressed during the Foxes run into the Champions League places and has won plenty of admirers for his performances, with Manchester City also known to hold an interest in the 23-year-old.

Tied to a long-term contract, however, any deal for Chilwell will not prove cheap, though Chelsea are hoping his value will drop amid the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Leicester were believed to value the player at around £85m last summer, whilst the likelihood of a deal may be further complicated should Brendan Rodgers’ side secure Champions League qualification at Chelsea’s expense.

Alternatives – including Porto’s Alex Telles and Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico – have also been considered, but Chilwell is the club’s ‘first choice target’ should Leicester prove to be open to his sale.

Attacking additions are also on Lampard’s radar with the club having been linked with a host of options, including the likes of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele, Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of the division’s restart later this month, and securing Champions League qualification could prove crucial to Lampard’s hopes of overhauling his squad.

In terms of outgoings experienced stars Willian and Pedro are expected to leave on free transfers at the expiry of their contracts, whilst current left-back options Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri also face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge.

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