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Chelsea Ramp Up Left-Back Search With Lewis Hall and Antonee Robinson on Radar

4 minutes read
Neil Goulding
Neil Goulding
Senior Sports Reporter
Louis Hobbs
Sports Editor
Newcastle United v West Ham United - Premier League

Newcastle United v West Ham United - Premier League by Serena Taylor | Getty Images

Chelsea are considering a stunning move to bring Lewis Hall back to Stamford Bridge as they search for a replacement for Marc Cucurella following his move to Real Madrid, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Blues have been forced into the market after losing one of their most influential performers from last season, with Cucurella's departure leaving a major vacancy on the left side of the defence ahead of the new campaign.

SportsBoom understands that Newcastle United star Lewis Hall is among the leading candidates being considered as Chelsea looks to strengthen the position.

The move would represent a remarkable return for the England international, who came through Chelsea's renowned academy system before leaving the club on loan to join Newcastle during the 2023-24 season.

Hall impressed during that spell on Tyneside, and Newcastle subsequently moved to make the deal permanent. 

Since then, he has enjoyed two productive seasons in the Premier League, making 75 top-flight appearances for the Magpies and establishing himself as one of the division's brightest young full-backs.

HOT PROPERTY

And his rapid development has not gone unnoticed. Hall, who has already earned four senior England caps, is regarded as one of the hottest properties of the summer transfer window. 

Manchester United are also understood to be monitoring his situation, while several other leading clubs have tracked his progress following another impressive campaign.

Chelsea are now among those keeping a close eye on developments as they assess potential options to fill the void left by Cucurella.

At present, the Blues have just one recognised senior left-back in Dutch defender Jorrel Hato, who impressed during his first season at Stamford Bridge and is regarded as one of the club's most exciting young talents.

Despite their faith in Hato, Chelsea are determined to add further competition and depth in a position that has suddenly become a priority. 

A return to West London could appeal to Hall. 

It is believed the defender would consider a move back to Stamford Bridge if offered the prospect of regular first-team football. 

AMBITIOUS REBUILD

There is also the attraction of working under incoming Chelsea boss Xavi Alonso, who officially takes charge on July 1 and is expected to oversee an ambitious summer rebuild.

Alonso is understood to be keen to reshape several areas of his squad, with the left-back department high on his list of priorities following Cucurella's departure.

Hall is not the only player being monitored.

SportsBoom understands Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on Fulham star Antonee Robinson, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Aston Villa

The United States international has emerged as a serious target for the Blues after establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable and attack-minded full-backs.

Robinson has made 215 appearances for Fulham, with 166 of those coming in the Premier League, and his consistency has attracted interest from some of England's biggest clubs. 

The former Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic defender is understood to be ready for the next step in his career, with a move to either Chelsea or Manchester United viewed as an ideal opportunity to test himself at the highest level.

ADMIRERS

United have tracked Robinson for some time, while several other leading clubs have also registered an interest following another impressive campaign at Craven Cottage. 

Fulham are reluctant to lose one of their key performers, but the growing list of admirers is expected to make keeping hold of him increasingly difficult this summer.

Chelsea's interest in Robinson comes alongside their pursuit of Hall, with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy determined to ensure Alonso has genuine competition and depth at left-back ahead of the new season.

Newcastle, meanwhile, remain determined to keep Hall despite mounting interest. 

But with Chelsea searching for solutions following Cucurella's departure, Hall's history with the club, his growing international pedigree and proven Premier League quality make him one of the most attractive options available as the Blues prepare for a new era under Alonso.

Editor's Insight

Louis Hobbs
Louis HobbsSports Editor

Chelsea are pushing Lewis Hall as the priority left-back target, but a return from Newcastle United looks difficult unless valuation softens. If it drags, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson becomes the realistic alternative and could quickly shorten in the betting if Chelsea pivot.

Neil Goulding
Neil GouldingSenior Sports Reporter

Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.