Exclusive: Crystal Palace Step Up Bid to Sign Ben Chilwell Permanently Amid Leeds Interest

Crystal Palace are ramping up their efforts to sign former loan star Ben Chilwell on a permanent contract, but they face stiff competition from Leeds United, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Chilwell impressed in his limited opportunities on loan with the Eagles last season and toasted sweet success as the club won the FA Cup.

And having been told he is surplus to requirements at Stamford Road, the experienced 28-year-old left-back is hungry to find a permanent home for the new season.

Chilwell had hoped to be part of Blues boss Enzo Maresca’s plans, but after the club confirmed his five-year stay at the club was coming to an end, Chilwell has been exploring his next move.

Palace have been admirers of the player for a long-time and would prefer a permament switch, although another loan spell is not out of the question as the defender has two years left on his Chelsea contract.

But promoted Leeds are also interested in signing him as they look to find a replacement for full-back Junior Firpo, who has been told he can leave this summer.

Firpo rejected a new deal to stay at Elland Road, with Whites’ manager Daniel Farke desperate to find cover ahead of the start of the new Premier League season next month.

Chillwell played 11 games on loan at Selhurst Park last season and has provided healthy competition with Tyrick Mitchell in that position.

He played eight games in the Premier League last term following his loan move and enjoyed his stint in South London.

"NO-BRAINER"

At the time Chilwell said it was a “no-brainer” to join the club having been frozen out in West London.

He joined Chelsea from Leicester City on a five-year deal for £45m in 2020, before extending his contract in April 2023.

The most recent of his 21 England caps came in a friendly in March 2024 against Belgium.

However, Chilwell was left out of Gareth Southgate's provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2024 and has not played for the national side since.

"Crystal Palace is a club that's going in a great direction,” said Chilwell.

“I've loved it here. It’s such a good club. I knew and I'd heard from a few of the boys I knew here, and I spoke to Trev [Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah] and he said what a great club it was."

“Normally when you don't play as much football as you want, but I've really enjoyed it.”