Chelsea are under growing pressure to decide the future of Levi Colwill, with several Premier League clubs circling the defender's situation. The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit, with the centre-half reportedly expected to depart west London this summer.
Colwill, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2025, featured 29 times for Huddersfield Town in the Championship this season, steering Carlos Corberán's side towards promotion into the Premier League. The Cobham graduate's impressive performances booked the Terriers a place in the play-off final against Nottingham Forest - though, unfortunately for the defender, Huddersfield fell at the final hurdle.
Despite Colwill's misfortune at Wembley, Chelsea are said to be 'so impressed' with the youngster's development, and he'll likely play a major part in shaping Tuchel's summer transfer plans, according to Goal. Even more so now that Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left the Blues, leaving the club with diminutive options at the back.
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As a result, it's expected that Colwill will be integrated into the first team upon his return from loan at the John Smith's Stadium, according to Goal. But, it's not just Chelsea who are keen to secure the defender's services next season.
Contrary to reports, talkSPORT claim that the teenage sensation, who has been compared to John Terry in the past, is expected to leave the Blues this summer. Southampton are the latest side interested in signing Colwill, with the Saints currently building an exciting portfolio of prospective talent.
It has also been reported by Goal that Arsenal, too, have registered an interest in acquiring Colwill's signature this summer, with Leicester City keeping tabs on the situation. The report adds that Chelsea are reluctant to send the youngster out on loan again, with Tuchel currently short of options at the back, as aforementioned.
Fabrizio Romano has also thrown his hat in the ring, claiming that Crystal Palace, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have enquired about Colwill - whether it's with a view to loan or permanently sign the defender remains to be seen, though. A loan could emerge as a suitable option, with Tuchel reportedly asking that Chelsea sign two centre-halves this summer.
Despite a big summer spending spree on the cards for Todd Boehly, Colwill has insisted that he's ready for a challenge in the Premier League. He told The Athletic: "I think I'm ready. I've learned a lot this year, so the next step I hope will be in the Premier League with Chelsea, Huddersfield or whoever."
Having worn the number 26 while on loan at Huddersfield this season, the Blues youngster has been compared to club legend and former captain Terry. Colwill said: "I'll take it. I'm not going to complain. It's not a bad thing to be called the new John Terry.
"I haven't made the comparison myself, so the fans and media can make whatever comparisons they want to make, it isn't going to affect me. John Terry is a club legend and leader, someone every centre-back at Chelsea should look up to.
"A great guy and player. I've not had the chance to speak to him too much. When he was around the academy building, we'd have the odd little chat, but it'd be more of a, 'Hi, how are you?' kind of thing, not on a personal level about football or things like that."
Colwill predominantly operated on the left of a back-three at Huddersfield, enjoying much of his success threading passes through into his midfielders, winning aerial duels and defending with wisdom beyond his years. He's painted himself as the perfect template for Chelsea's next stalwart as another rough diamond emerges from Cobham.
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