Chelsea hold talks with €35m-rated defender ahead of rivals – report

Chelsea have opened negotiations to sign Clement Lenglet from Sevilla, according to France Football (h/t The Metro).

The French defender has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Barcelona, however, Chelsea have kept tabs on the 22-year-old for the past six months.

The report adds that Marina Granovskaia spoke with the player’s agent even though Manchester United have made a ‘concrete’ approach for the central defender.

The Blues seem to be presenting the chances of first-team football to the French defender when compared to their rivals.

Lenglet had only joined Sevilla in 2017 for €5m but his release clause is €35m and reports had suggested that Barcelona are also close to completing a deal for the defender.

A big blow to United and a boost for us?

It is quite interesting to note that we are being linked with Lenglet just after his release clause has come out to the fore. The defender was one of the better players for Sevilla last season and would make a good option for us at the back.

Gary Cahill is not getting any younger and Antonio Rudiger had an average season last time around, so adding more competition for the centre-back spots should be the right way to go.

Clement does seem to have a number of offers available to him and frankly, he will get to start more games for us when compared to Barcelona or even United.

The 22-year-old would not slot into the starting XI straight away but if he impresses during the season, there is no doubt he can be a stalwart for our defence for years to come.