Chelsea and West Ham go head-to-head for English left-back sensation

Gent left back Archie Brown is reportedly on the shopping list for both Chelsea and West Ham in a move which could see the 21-year-old return to England.

Brown came through the Derby youth academy, featuring under Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole and was acquainted with former Chelsea youth stars Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount while they were on loan at the club.

The versatile 6ft5in prospect opted to move abroad in 2021 rather than renew terms at Derby and ended up at Swiss Super League side Lausanne-Sport.

The Sir Jim Ratcliffe-owned club suffered relegation but Brown was at his best as they won their place back in the top flight.

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He scored five goals and made four assists in their promotion-winning campaign before signing for Gent on a four-year deal during last summer’s transfer window.

The fee for Brown was reported to be around €4 million at the time and the Jupiler Pro League side will make a lot more than that if and when he moves on.

A price of around €15 million has been mentioned in a report by the Guardian with London rivals Chelsea and West Ham in the running.

Chelsea looking for new left-back amid uncertainty

Although Ben Chilwell is Chelsea’s first-choice left back, there is uncertainty around the future of Marc Cucurella while on-loan duo Ian Maatsen, now with Borussia Dortmund, and Lewis Hall, at Newcastle, are both expected to be sold.

West Ham could do with back-up for Italy international Emerson Palmeiri, meanwhile, and Brown fits the bill.

The Hammers are in for a busy summer with heavy speculation around the future of their midfield star Lucas Paqueta.

Brown was trained as a left winger during his Derby days, and also played at centre back, but has made his name with Gent as a left back.

The report further adds that Brown is optimistic of earning a place in the next England under-21 squad when details are announced.

Archie Brown’s breakout season in Belgium

He has played 19 times for Gent in the Belgian top flight this term, earning praise for his performances, and has featured for his side in the UEFA Europa Conference League too.

Juventus, AC Milan, Nice and Lyon have also been credited with interest.