Chelsea have shown interest in Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who previously played under their new manager Enzo Maresca during a successful stint in the Championship last season.
Dewsbury-Hall, who has been part of Leicester’s academy since the age of eight, made a significant impact during the 2021/22 campaign when the Foxes competed in the Premier League.
His standout performance in the second tier last season included contributing to 26 goals and assists from midfield, helping Leicester secure promotion back to the top flight.
Maresca, who was previously in charge at Leicester during Dewsbury-Hall’s formative years, has reportedly identified the midfielder as an ideal fit for the style of play he intends to implement at Stamford Bridge, according to reports from The Athletic.
While Chelsea have yet to make a formal offer, Dewsbury-Hall is reportedly keen on the prospect of joining the London club, with Chelsea potentially being the only team capable of enticing him away from Leicester.
Leicester had set an asking price of at least £30 million for Dewsbury-Hall, who is under contract until the summer of 2027. Interest in the midfielder had previously emerged from Brighton & Hove Albion during the January transfer window, and Tottenham Hotspur has also been linked with the 25-year-old.
Chelsea’s history of acquiring midfielders from Leicester has been mixed. In 2016, they secured N’Golo Kante in a £32 million deal following his instrumental role in Leicester’s Premier League title triumph. Kante continued his success at Chelsea, winning numerous accolades including PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season.
However, Chelsea’s subsequent signing of Danny Drinkwater from Leicester for £35 million in 2017 did not yield the expected results. Drinkwater struggled with injuries, off-field issues, and unsuccessful loan spells, making only 23 appearances for Chelsea before being released at the end of his contract in 2022.
As Chelsea evaluates their options, including potentially pursuing Dewsbury-Hall, the dynamics of midfield recruitment and the player’s aspirations will play crucial roles in determining whether a deal materializes between the two clubs.
Dewsbury-Hall’s proven ability and familiarity with Maresca’s coaching style make him an intriguing prospect for Chelsea as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the upcoming season.
