Chelsea have suggested that Levi Colwill will play a starring role for Mauricio Pochettino next season, sending out a clear message. The 20-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a return to Brighton this summer following this impressive performances while on loan at the Amex Stadium.
Colwill, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2025, featured 17 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League this term, helping Roberto De Zerbi's side keep five clean sheets. The England youth international helped Brighton claim a Europa League qualification spot ahead of Tottenham and, his parent club, Chelsea.
football.london understands that the Blues have been very impressed with his progress and he's expected to be a key player under Pochettino - and therefore he is not for sale. However, it could be difficult for the west Londoners to hold onto Colwill after De Zerbi publicly revealed his intent to re-sign the youngster.
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And, it seems as if the Italian has wasted no time in attempting to secure his dream target. According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have outright rejected a £30million bid from Brighton for Colwill – a fee equal to that of club-record signing Joao Pedro, who joins from Watford this summer.
The report states that the Blues have no plans to sell the youngster this summer despite De Zerbi's wishes. Ahead of the Seagulls' clash against Manchester City, he said: "I hope he can play with us also next year but it’s his decision and the decision of Chelsea. I don’t know. We have to be ready to change some players but of course Levi is a top player for us."
Then, earlier last month before the Arsenal clash, the Brighton boss said: "I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years. It’s difficult to find a another centre-back, left centre-back, with his quality.
"He’s a good guy, I think he’s improving a lot. This year his improvement has been fantastic. I hope he can stay with us."
It's no surprise that Chelsea turned their nose up at Brighton's reported bid, with Colwill widely believed to be the club's best defender. Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand said: "I think Levi Colwill is the best one they have got at Chelsea.
"He’s better than Wesley Fofana and I think he’s better than Benoit Badiashile. Have you seen the way Levi Colwill is playing for Brighton? He has gone to Brighton, his team is higher than Chelsea.
"He is playing unbelievably well in that team. Did you see the way Levi Colwill was slapping that ball around [against Arsenal]? This season, he has been better than Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, 100%."
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