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Chelsea Targets Leicester Starlet Ben Nelson
Chelsea Eyes Leicester Young Gun: Ben Nelson on Blues’s Radar
Chelsea’s search for a new center-back has taken a very surprising turn, with Leicester City’s highly rated young defender Ben Nelson emerging as a top target. The 21-year-old spent this season on loan at Oxford United, where he made 17 appearances in all competitions and helped the team avoid relegation from the Championship. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is familiar with Nelson’s abilities, having handed him his first senior appearance for Leicester last season. Maresca described Nelson as an “ideal” defender with the potential to become a “big-club player”.
Nelson’s impressive skills include his strength, composure in ball handling, and versatility. He can also play on either the right or left side of defense, which is not common for many players. However, his championship glory was disrupted by a five-month thigh injury that required surgery in November. Chelsea’s interest in Nelson raises questions about their transfer strategy, with some sports analysts arguing that the club needs a more experienced center-back to bolster their backline.
The Blues were previously linked with Bournemouth’ s Dean Huijsen, who recently joined Real Madrid, and are also reportedly eyeing Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande. Diomande, also 21, boasts more senior football experience than Nelson, having featured in Sporting’s back three for the last two Portuguese top-flight titles and the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. He has made nine Champions League appearances, matching Nelson’s tally for
Leicester’s senior side across all competitions. Chelsea’s pursuit of Nelson is likely to face competition from other Premier League clubs, although the exact identities of these rivals is yet to be revealed.
Why are the Blues after Ben Nelson?
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interceptions, and a better pitchviewto read otherplayers’ attacks and intercept.Heistallandextremelyusefultohave on the team, and only about 10% of men can equal his height.Â
At 21 years old, he has played for the England U20 and helped the team win 6 caps with 1 goal to his credit. He appearedin a total of 17 game appearances in the 2024/25 Championship season and played for a total of 1,373 minutes with 1 goal. He has also played for Leicester City’s youth teams and had loan spells with Rochdale and Doncaster Rovers. If Chelsea’s intention is to strengthen their defense, Ben Nelson is one of the good choices, considering his statistics and physical stature. Chelsea definitely has competition from other clubs in securing Nelson to play for them, however, the Blues may finally be able to sign him up.
As the transfer window heats up, Chelsea’s move for Nelson will be closely watched by fans and
football analysts alike. Will the young defender become the latest addition to Chelsea's squad, or
will another club snap him up first?
