Leicester will ‘struggle to persuade Ben Chilwell to stay’ after missing out on Champions League

Leicester reportedly face a battle to keep hold of Ben Chilwell this summer after the Foxes failed to qualify for the Champions League next season. 

The 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United on Sunday concluded a disappointing final few weeks of the season for Brendan Rodgers’ side. 

Chelsea and United have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old England international and in wanting to cement his place for next summer’s European Championship, Chilwell could look for a move away without the carrot of top-tier European football, according to The Sun. 

Leicester left back Ben Chilwell is a transfer target for both Manchester United and Chelsea 

Brendan Rodgers says Chilwell won’t be sold despite missing out on the Champions League

The report details that Chilwell would also receive more money at either Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford, though that is not his primary concern. 

Though Leicester seemingly have a fight on their hands to keep their star left back, manager Rodgers has been insistent that he is not for sale.  

‘He’s not a player we want to lose. I’m quite relaxed on it. I’m not worried at all,’ Rodgers said. 

‘We’ve got a fantastic squad that we want to keep together so I don’t worry.

Chilwell last played against Crystal Palace on July 4 as he missed the last five matches

‘You can spin it whichever way you want. There is no intention to sell Ben Chilwell and there is absolutely no need for us to sell Ben Chilwell. If you want a message, the message is he’s not for sale.’ 

Chilwell actually missed the last five games of the campaign due to a heel injury picked up in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on July 4.  

The Foxes won only one of those matches and after previously having had a 14-point lead to fifth in the Premier League, Leicester will have to make do with Europa League football next season after a poor post-lockdown period.