Assessing Leicester’s Potential Replacements for Ben Chilwell

Leicester City are fast becoming the kings of the transfer market.

No sooner have they plucked a hidden gem from their academy or the lower leagues and sold him on for an eye-watering figure, are they back in the market on the hunt for his replacement – who they’ll no doubt sell on for £350m profit in two years’ time.

The latest export from the King Power Stadium is Ben Chilwell, after the England man swapped Leicester for Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth an initial £50m.

Despite promising displays from youngster Luke Thomas towards the latter end of the 2019/20 campaign, Brendan Rodgers seems keen to reinvest this summer as he looks to bolster his full-back options.

With the Foxes desperate to secure a top-four finish next season following their near-miss last campaign, we take a look at the left-backs on the club’s radar.

5. Rayan Aït-Nouri

Highly-rated Angers left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri is a wanted man this summer, with Leicester said to be rivalling fellow Premier League side Wolves for the youngster's signature.

However, while the Frenchman undoubtedly has plenty of potential, a £31m price tag seems steep given Leicester's previous transfer business.

With 19-year-old Thomas already showing bags of ability, it's hard to imagine the Foxes shelling out so much money on a player exactly the same age.

If Rodgers is to bring a new left-back in, he'll be looking for more experience than the Angers defender boasts.

Suitability Rating: 1/10

4. Fodé Ballo-Touré

Fodé Ballo-Touré has caused quite a stir of late, with Manchester United said to be keen to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford.

Leicester are also in the running to secure the youngster's signature, however, much like Aït-Nouri, Ballo-Touré can't call upon a wealth of experience, though at £18m he does represent a closer fit to Leicester's transfer ethos.

However, with just 77 top-flight appearances to his name, even at £18m Rodgers is unlikely to sign the Monaco man.

Suitability Rating: 3/10

3. Robin Gosens

Robin Gosens enjoyed a superb season last time out with Atalanta, even managing to notch nine Serie A goals from left-back.

The German's talent can't be denied and he'd be a great addition, however, the Foxes should be wary - Atalanta's attacking system is perfect for Gosens, and in a team less 'gung-ho' than the Serie A outfit he may struggle to adapt.

The 26-year-old is available for £40m, and while he's a good player, if the Foxes are to pay that amount for a player there's better quality out there (more on that shortly).

Suitability Rating: 5/10

2. Joe Bryan

Joe Bryan was one of Fulham's standout performers last season, as the club bounced back at the first time of asking following their relegation in 2019.

In many ways Bryan is a very similar left-back to Chilwell; the pair are both brilliant going forward and possess a superb engine, but can also be found wanting defensively at times.

While Bryan may not represent the glamorous, marquee signing Leicester fans will most likely be hoping for following their sale of Chilwell, he would fit into the club's ethos perfectly and still has time to develop.

The only issue is his lack of top-flight experience, having only played one season in the Premier League. However, if Rodgers is looking for another project, Bryan would represent a great signing.

Suitability Rating: 7/10

1. Nicolás Tagliafico

If Leicester can secure the signing of Nicolás Tagliafico they’ve played an absolute blinder.

With Barcelona also rumoured to be monitoring the 27-year-old, the deal would reflect a remarkable coup and would solidify their status as a team on the up.

However, the £40m price tag placed on the left-back by current club Ajax would almost match Leicester’s current record purchase – after the signing of Youri Tielemans in 2019 - so it’s difficult to see the move fitting in with their transfer philosophy.

If the Foxes are serious about becoming a top-four side then the figure is a relative bargain, and the deal would see one of the best left-backs in European football arrive at the King Power.

Suitability Rating: 9/10