Roberto De Zerbi has insisted that he would love to continue working with Levi Colwil at Brighton, branding the defender as a 'top player'. The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest following his impressive performances while out on loan at the Amex Stadium this season.
Colwill, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expiring in 2025, has featured 14 times for the Seagulls this term, helping the Seagulls keep six clean sheets. The England youth international's eye-catching displays have 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 Colwill's progress and he's expected to be a key player under Mauricio Pochettino – should be appointed. However, it could be difficult for the west Londoners to hold onto the youngster with De Zerbi doubling down on his intent to secure his signature.
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Ahead of the Seagulls' clash against Manchester City, the Italian 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."
It has not been the first time De Zerbi made his feelings for Colwill known. Earlier this month, before the Arsenal tie, 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."
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Colwill is set for a very bright future at Chelsea, and Rio Ferdinand believes that he's the best defender on the books at Stamford Bridge. Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, the former Manchester United defedner 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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