Chelsea Place Ben Chilwell & Hakim Ziyech on Transfer Shortlist Ahead of Summer Window

Chelsea have identified Leicester City full back Ben Chilwell and Ajax's Hakim Ziyech as transfer targets for the summer, but Frank Lampard's side are struggling in their pursuit of Belgium international Dries Mertens.

The Blues had been expected to serve out the remainder of the transfer ban this month, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the punishment and Chelsea are now looking for targets before the January transfer window closes.

Understanding that a mid-season deal could be difficult to get over the line, ESPN report Chelsea will instead take a run-up at their attempt to sign Leicester City defender Chilwell, as well as Ajax playmaker Ziyech.

Chilwell still has a contract at the King Power Stadium until 2024 and Leicester City won't sanction a sale this month, but Chelsea desperately want to bring a new left back to Stamford Bridge and have made the England international their top target.

The 23-year-old has already made 112 appearances for the Foxes during his career and he's expected to be Gareth Southgate's first-choice left-back for England at Euro 2020 this summer.

As far as their interest in Ziyech is concerned, Chelsea will face competition for his signature from long-term suitors Arsenal. The Morocco international is valued at €50m by Ajax and Mikel Arteta's side have already been linked with a move this month.

Lampard also wants to bring another striker to Stamford Bridge following a recent injury to Tammy Abraham, with Napoli star Mertens emerging as a potential deal which could be completed in January due to the player's contract situation at the Stadio San Paolo.

As part of ESPN's report, however, it's claimed that Mertens isn't interested in leaving Napoli this month. The 32-year-old has already been approached over a summer move to Monaco, although as things stand he hasn't reached a pre-contract agreement with the club.

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