Yesterday, it was said that Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, which we believe will please Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Everton as they pursue Levi Colwill.
What’s the story?
Well, after an impressive season on loan at Huddersfield last term, Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta and Frank Lampard have all expressed an interest in signing the 19-year-old from Chelsea.
Colwill made 32 appearances for the Terriers last season, as he helped them reach the Championship play-off final before unfortunately suffering defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Despite his solid efforts, the news about Koulibaly heading to Stamford Bridge will surely see Colwill pushed further down the pecking order, and it isn’t just the Senegal international who will do that.
Chelsea are also making good progress on a deal for Nathan Ake, so with two quality defenders arriving in west London, we believe the England Under-21 international is set to be loaned out, if not sold.
That will be music to the ears of Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Everton, who will have an excellent chance to sign Colwill once Thomas Tuchel secures the signatures of Koulibaly and Ake.
Levi Colwill should leave Chelsea for Crystal Palace – not Arsenal or Everton
In our view, a move to Selhurst Park would be best for Colwill’s development, rather than a switch to the Emirates Stadium or Goodison Park.
Vieira has already shown how effective he can be when working with young prospects, as the likes of Michael Olise, Tyrick Mitchell and Marc Guéhi shine under his guidance.
Interestingly, Colwill has been likened to the latter defender, who shone in the Championship with Swansea last season before Chelsea allowed him to join the Eagles in an £18m deal.
To add further strength to our argument, Guéhi ended up becoming an England international midway through his first season at Crystal Palace, and we see no reason why Colwill cannot do the same.
Of course, Arteta and Lampard are also comfortable working with youngsters, but there just seems to be something special going on at Selhurst Park right now with so many prospects flourishing under Vieira.
Be sure to keep an eye on Colwill, as we expect some developments once Koulibaly and Ake sign for Chelsea.
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