Manchester City and Chelsea set for Lucas Digne transfer battle

The two premier League heavyweights going all out for the French defender.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Manchester City and Chelsea have expressed their interest in signing Everton left-back Lucas Digne. Chelsea had been linked with Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell to strengthen their respective left-back position, only to find his £75m valuation from the Foxes too expensive. As a result, Frank Lampard and Pep Guardiola have turned their attention towards Digne, who is understood to cost lesser than Chilwell.

City and Blues to strengthen their left-back position

Man City and Chelsea are keen on solidifying their left-back position, which has been quite lacklustre with current personnel this season. Guardiola has deployed Benjamin Mendy, with Oleksandr Zinchenko deputising the French man. Both were underwhelming, and so were the left-backs of the Blues. Marcus Alonso has been Lampard’s primary choice, while Emerson has played second fiddle. Furthermore, the Italian has been linked with a move away from the Stamford Bridge, with Inter looking keen on his signature. The Blues have a strong attacking line-up – including the new signings Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech – at their disposal and are in the market for defensive reinforcements. 

Cityzens also have a reputation for spending big on the full-backs and are expected to do the same in the summer transfer window. Angelino is poised for a return to the Ethiad from RB Leipzig after a season-long loan deal, but it has to be seen whether the Spaniard can be a starter under Guardiola, unlike the last few occasions.

Digne, an underrated left-back

Digne has been often overlooked by many as he had been nomadic – playing for different clubs over the course. The former Barcelona made his move to the Goodison Park in 2018, and his impact was seen straight away. His first full season with the Toffees saw him bag four goals and four assists to his name while becoming an undisputable starter. The 2019/20 season has also been nothing short of successful for the 26-year-old, as he has registered 7 assists so far. Digne was also named the Toffees player of the year in his debut season – thanks to his string of impressive displays.

Toffees remain confident on holding on to the French man, with Carlo Ancelotti considering him as a crucial player for the future. However, the Toffees are likely to demand huge fee if any big clubs come calling in for the former Barca star.

Chelsea and Man City always prefer an attacking brand of football and hence Digne can be a good fit for both the sides. From taking set-pieces to whipping in crosses and long balls, Digne can be best described as a modern-day full-back – he also doesn’t compromise with the defensive duties.

Unlike the current bunch of players Chelsea and City both have at their disposal, Digne would be a massive upgrade over them.

Sports journalist, content writer and passionate football lover.