Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has signed a contract extension with the club that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2027. The 26-year-old England international has impressed in his 19 appearances for the Blues this season, despite missing some of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. Chilwell moved to Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 and has played 80 times for the west London club.
Manchester City were reportedly interested in signing Chilwell as they look for a new left-back following the departures of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo. However, the defender’s contract extension may put off any potential move for him in the summer transfer window.
Speaking to the club’s website, Chilwell said: “I feel very settled at Chelsea and have really enjoyed my time on the pitch here. So I’m very pleased the club want me to be part of the project long-term, and am very happy to sign this extension to my contract. We are working hard for success and I will do my best to bring more smiles to the faces of the fans who have made me feel so welcome.”
Chilwell was signed by former Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard during his first spell in charge of the club. Lampard recently returned to Chelsea, replacing Graham Potter on a short-term deal until the end of the season. It has been a difficult campaign for the Blues, who are currently 11th in the Premier League table and have been knocked out of both domestic cups.
However, Chelsea have a chance to save their season in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Real Madrid. The first leg of the tie will take place at the Bernabeu on Wednesday. Despite Chelsea’s struggles this season, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has warned his team to respect their opponents, saying: “They are not going through a good moment but they have a very good team. Sometimes when you’re at your worst, you bring out the best.”