Chelsea were reportedly forced to pull out of the race to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise after Bayern Munich’s offer blew them out of the water. After missing out on the Bundesliga title to Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen, Vincent Kompany’s outfit mean business this summer and could further impact the Blues’ transfer window.
Factoring in Olise’s release clause and wage demands, Chelsea were not willing to match Bayern’s offer and had to step aside and watch one of their priority transfers slip away, sending Todd Boehly and co back to the drawing board.
However, Bayern’s assault on the Premier League may not be finished as they seek defensive reinforcements which could cost Chelsea dearly.
Sky Sports Germany claim that Levi Colwill is high up on Bayern’s shortlist, alongside Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, and the German club have already made initial enquiries into the possibility of signing the versatile defender.
The 21-year-old, who also attracted significant interest from Liverpool a year ago, is said to be open to working with Kompany at Bayern. However, Chelsea’s current valuation is thought to be more than they are willing to pay for Colwill.
But should Chelsea’s stance on selling Colwill soften, as they remain conscious of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, Bayern are primed to strike again and deal a second blow in the window to Enzo Maresca’s outfit.
As a player produced by Chelsea’s academy, Colwill would represent 100 per cent value on their financial books if sold this summer and would allow his current team to spend big again without fear of repercussions. Though Chelsea have maintained that they are not wary of falling foul of the rules.
Chelsea have already signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham to add to their vast array of options at centre-back, joining Colwill, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah.
With a wealth of talent in that role, should Bayern return to England with a similarly irresistible offer for Colwill as they did for Olise, Chelsea could have no option but to concede to the German giants once again.
Colwill often deputised at left-back last year under Mauricio Pochettino after an impressive loan at Brighton the previous season, where he shone alongside Lewis Dunk under Roberto De Zerbi.
If Colwill feels that the logjam at centre-back is blocking the pathway that convinced him to snub interest from Liverpool last summer, then Bayern could be perfectly positioned to pounce and become Chelsea’s nemesis in this year’s transfer market after already beating them to a deal for key target Olise.