Leicester City transfer rumours: potential Ben Chilwell replacements

Leicester City transfer news is still pretty hard to come by, with only outgoings and new contracts announced so far.

Luckily for us fans, we can rely on a never ending supply of dubious rumours to get us through this difficult time.

While the Foxes could still do with at least another CB and a winger, most of these rumours are circulating around the biggest area of need at left back. We’re going to take a look at the most frequently linked candidates and what they could offer.

Nicolas Tagliafico, 27, Ajax

Signing a player of Tagliafico’s age and experience would seem to go against the Foxes’ transfer policy over recent years, but the Argentine does have the quality to improve the team right away.

We have agreed with Ajax that he would leave this year. After having spent two-and-a-half seasons at the club, it’s the ideal moment for it. There are clubs that are interested but we have to see how everything pans out - his agent had this to say back in May

He’s been a strong defensive contributor, especially when they’ve stepped up to a higher level in the Champions League. Going forward he isn’t a big threat to run with the ball, but his passing is accurate and his delivery is high quality. Think more Fuchs than Chilwell.

The main downside to this one would be the price. A fee in the region of at east £40m has been talked about, so almost all of the Chilwell money would have to be immediately reinvested in the same position, but we even be better there right away.

Robin Gosens, 26, Atalanta

The German mostly featured on the left side of midfield for the UCL semi-finalists, in front of a back 3. As a result, his stats aren’t what you would expect from a left back: 17 combined goals and assists in 34 league appearances.

While it’s not his strength, Gosens does contribute defensively as well, particularly in the air. Much like Tagliafico this showed up more when his team was on the back foot in European competition.

2019/20 was a breakout year, so there’s a little more risk in this one, and still a very high price, but his potential is very appealing.

Matt Targett, 24, Aston Villa

The former Southampton man played his first full Premier League season last year after appearing on and off for the Saints and was...ok.

He didn’t stand out defensively, but that would have been hard for anyone on that team. Going forward he showed some ability, particularly crossing, but didn’t contribute much to goals (except against us).

This would be a cheaper and easier move, but is the first on this list to be a definite downgrade to Chilwell.

Joe Bryan, 26, Fulham

Bryan was a key contributor to Fulham’s promotion. He held his own defensively and provided 3 goals and 7 assists. Anyone who saw the playoff final saw that he can come up in the big moments.

He also played in their last Premier League campaign and frankly wasn’t that good. I don’t think this move makes much sense for us.

Fodé Ballo-Touré, 23, Monaco

This rumour was new to me, but French source Foot Mercato reported on Wednesday that the two sides were expected to hold discussions over the left back.

The former winger is very fast and likes to get forward, but his own fans have often pulled him up for his defensive weakness and looseness with the ball. Remind you of anyone?

He’s also a similar age to Chilwell, and his potential seems just as high. With a fee of less than £20m talked about, you can see how it makes a lot of sense for us, but again probably leaves the Foxes worse at the position for the coming season.