One of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals do not want to sell to them this summer.
Enzo Maresca was named as Chelsea manager on Monday, and one area of his squad he reportedly wants to strengthen is left-back.
The Blues already have Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell for the left-back position, while Levi Colwill can also play there.
However, Chilwell has picked up a lot of bad injuries over the last few seasons.
It is probably one reason why Chelsea are considering making a move for a new left-back, which could see them try and raid another English club in the upcoming transfer window.
Chelsea’s Premier League rivals reluctant to sell
As well as Chelsea, Manchester United also look to be in the market for a new left-back.
According to GiveMeSport, both clubs are interested in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
The same outlet claims that the Cherries are going to fight to keep hold of the 20-year-old but, at the same time, value him at £35m, so a sale this summer does not seem impossible.
Kerkez was an important player for Andoni Iraola this season. In total, he made 33 appearances under the Spaniard.
Why Chelsea should not get in transfer tussle with Manchester United over Milos Kerkez
Chilwell is fit again and is still at the club. Unless the England international is sold this summer, Chelsea probably do not have to prioritise Kerkez or any other left-back.
He can cover Cucurella, whom you would expect to be Maresca’s first-choice left-back as things stand.
The Spaniard finished off the season playing as an inverted full-back, something his new manager utilised during his time at Leicester City.
If Chilwell gets injured, there is also Colwill who can provide cover. Still, because the 21-year-old is not a natural left-back and the fact that you cannot trust Chilwell’s fitness record, Kerkez should not be taken completely off the table. Chelsea just do not need to get into a fight over him at this moment in time.