Transfer Centre

Shirt numbers available to Ben Chilwell at Chelsea

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 June 2020

Amid speculation regarding a potential move to Chelsea for Ben Chilwell, Sports Mole looks at which shirt numbers could be available for the defender.

Speculation continues to gather pace regarding the future of Leicester City's Ben Chilwell, who has become a regular fixture in the Foxes' lineup over the past couple of seasons.

Chelsea, who are supposedly nearing a deal for Timo Werner, have been heavily linked with a swoop for Chilwell in recent months.

There have been concerns as to whether Frank Lampard's side will be able to fork out the required funds for the left-back amid the coronavirus pandemic, but Chilwell reportedly remains a priority target for the Blues ahead of next season.

Here, Sports Mole looks at which shirt numbers could be available to the 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

Leicester City's Ben Chilwell in action on February 1, 2020 © Reuters

Chilwell has donned the traditional left-back's number three jersey at Leicester since the 2016-17 season - a shirt he previously wore for their Under-18 and Under-23 sides.

The same number is currently occupied by Marcos Alonso at Chelsea, but with the Spaniard's spot seemingly under threat ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Chilwell could be in line to inherit the '3' in the blue side of London.

Chilwell made his first-team debut for Leicester under Claudio Ranieri in their unforgettable 2015-16 campaign, and the left-back wore the number 30 shirt in that season.

David Luiz was the most recent player to wear the same jersey for Chelsea before his move to London rivals Arsenal last summer, but Chilwell may opt for a number of higher value following his impressive performances for Brendan Rodgers' side this term.

Fellow left-back Emerson Palmieri has also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge recently, potentially leaving the number 33 shirt open to a new arrival.

Chelsea's extensive list of players out on loan has left the '6', '14' and '16' untouched during the 2019-20 campaign - numbers last worn by Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Kenedy respectively.

With none of the trio looking likely to challenge for a first-team spot at Chelsea anytime soon, Chilwell could very well be spoilt for choice should he decide to make the switch to the English capital.