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Levi Colwill backed for summer move as Chelsea make big-money decision - pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Chelsea are making the “right decision” if they allow promising defender Levi Colwill to leave this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 19-year-old doesn’t yet have the required experience to hold down a place at Stamford Bridge.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (13 July), Colwill is now “likely” to leave Chelsea permanently this summer with new owner Todd Boehly pursuing three “top centre-backs”.
The Daily Mail claimed later that day that Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leicester and Southampton are all interested in securing the defender’s signature.
Chelsea have moved to bring in their first centre-back target – with the Blues confirming Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival early on Saturday morning (16 July), in a deal reportedly worth almost £34million.
Whelan suggested a permanent deal for Colwill is best for both club and player.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s done well at Huddersfield, but is he a Premier League player just yet?
“Right now, I think Chelsea are doing the right thing. They need more experience if they are going to challenge Man City and Liverpool at the top of the table.
“This kid is probably going to be sitting there, waiting, for two years.
“Getting him out on a permanent deal will be the best for both parties. Right now, there will be areas he needs to work on and that is better done away from Chelsea.
“That is why Tuchel won’t be kicking up a fuss about this decision.
“You need to be the finished article if you’re at a big Premier League club like Chelsea.”
In other news, expert claims Chelsea are facing a £16.2m-a-year wage bill hike amid contract claims.