Chilwell drops Mbappe to Chelsea HINT in pre-season celebrations
Cameron Smith
- 31 Jul 2023 12:02 BST
- 4 min read
Ben Chilwell has alerted Chelsea fans of the possibility that Kylian Mbappe may be joining the Blues this summer after his comments during their Summer Series trophy lift were picked up by on-pitch microphones.
Mauricio Pochetino’s side emerged victorious in the inaugural Premier League Summer Series thanks to wins over Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham, and a draw against Newcastle.
However, Chelsea fans believe Chilwell has hinted that Mbappe could join the ranks at Stamford Bridge this window.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
During Thiago Silva and Reece James’ trophy lift, the words: “And Mbappe ain’t here” were picked up by the on-pitch microphone, with Blues fans convinced that it’s Chilwell who uttered those words due to his accent.
Ben Chilwell saying “And Mbappe ain’t here” after Reece James lifts the trophy 😂 https://t.co/PBbrsGydor
— Uber Chelsea FC (@UberChelseaFC_) July 31, 2023
Mbappe has been linked with a move to the Premier League following his exile from Paris Saint-Germain’s pre-season tour of Japan, with club president Nasser Al Khelaifi determined to sell him this summer in order to avoid losing him for free in 2024.
Al-Hilal have submitted a world record offer of €300 million for Mbappe, which PSG accepted, but the Frenchman reportedly doesn’t want to join the Saudi Pro League.
MORE: Why Axel Disasi is NOT an upgrade on Trevoh Chalobah at Chelsea
Real Madrid remain heavily linked with a move, although ESPN have reported that Los Blancos want the Mbappe saga resolved before the new La Liga season kicks off in mid-August.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have also been linked and have explored the possibility of signing Mbappe on a one-year loan, according to The Mirror.
Mbappe to Chelsea?
While Chilwell’s supposed comments may have been tongue-in-cheek, Chelsea have been linked with adding another body in forward areas, despite their summer spending.
Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Diego Moreira and Angelo Gabriel have all arrived this summer, although only Jackson is a pure number nine.
Pochettino himself recently suggested that a new striker could be useful when he told reporters: “Today I think we are happy with the performance and they [Nkunku and Jackson] can complement each other really well.
“Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profiles or different players who can help us, of course we are open. I am so happy with both and we have younger players like Mason Burstow today and Armando Broja in the UK recovering from his procedure.
“We need to analyse now in the next weeks until the transfer window closes. We will take the best decision for the team.”
Mbappe scored 41 goals and provided 10 assists in just 43 appearances for PSG last season.
