Chelsea's £42m defender named as one of big three names on Man United's January transfer shortlist

Reports have emerged recently that Manchester United have named Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell as one of three left-backs that they are keen to sign in the January transfer window amid their struggles with defensive depth.

Chilwell has struggled for minutes this season under Enzo Maresca as the Chelsea boss identified the defender as one of the players that wasn’t in his plans over summer, however unlike the likes of Raheem Sterling, he was unable to seek a move away from Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old signed for Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 for a fee of £42m and has since made 107 appearances for the Blues. However, his time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end as Manchester United are reportedly keen to add him in January.

According to Football Journalist Rudy Galetti on X, Chilwell is one of three left-backs that United are considering for a possible January transfer. Galetti says that the English defender’s “transfer terms would be convenient” for United as he is on Enzo Maresca’s ‘unwanted’ list.

The Red Devils were reportedly keen to sign Chilwell during the summer as he was seeking a move, however, no deal was done and Chilwell has sat on the sidelines making just one appearance in the Carabao Cup against Barrow.

Chelsea transfer target also wanted by Manchester United

With regards to United’s two other target left-backs, Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has also attracted the Red Devils’ interest with Galetti reporting that Chelsea is also monitoring the French defender.

Ait-Nouri would likely cost United more than a move for Chilwell due to his excellent form at Wolves. It may be likely that Gary O’Neil doesn’t want to let the defender leave amid the Midlands-based club’s current relegation fight.

Reports emerged in the January transfer window that Arsenal were targeting a move for Ait-Nouri, but they were put off due to Wolves’ hefty £50m price tag that was set on the defender. His value can only have increased due to his impressive form.

Furthermore, Galleti added that Ruben Amorim’s preferred choice at left-back is 21-year-old Benfica defender Alvaro Carreras who could be an expensive choice due to Carreras’ sky-high potential. He is more of an attacking full-back which would suit the United manager’s much talked about 3-4-3 formation.