Chelsea ready to make major Levi Colwill decision amid transfer interest

Chelsea are taking steps to make sure Levi Colwill remains at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.

The defender has already attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, with Liverpool and Real Madrid reportedly still keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, Chelsea have no intention of letting one of their most highly rated academy graduates leave..

Now, the Blues are preparing to reward Colwill with a new contract, and it is a decision they should be making.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are ready to open discussions with Colwill's representatives over a contract extension, with hope of an agreement being reached next year.

Liverpool are said to retain a strong interest in the England international as they consider their long-term options at centre-back. The Reds are looking for a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk, and Colwill is reportedly among the defenders they rate.

This is not the first time Chelsea have had to fend off interest in the 23-year-old. Brighton wanted to sign him permanently after his impressive loan spell at the Amex Stadium, while Tottenham have also made approaches in the past.

Chelsea have refused to even consider selling him. That stance is unlikely to change, particularly with the defender viewed as a central part of Alonso's long-term plans.

Colwill is currently contracted until 2029, with Chelsea also holding an option to extend his existing deal. However, his last contract was signed in 2023, and the club reportedly recognise that his development deserves to be rewarded with improved terms.

Josh Acheampong is also expected to be offered a new deal, suggesting Chelsea are keen to secure the futures of their most promising homegrown players.

There are plenty of reasons why Chelsea should be prioritising Colwill's (and Acheampong's) future.

The centre-back missed the vast majority of last season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but he has returned to full fitness and quickly become an important figure during Alonso's early months in charge.

At 23, he still has plenty of room to improve, but he already possesses the qualities required to become a leading defender for Chelsea. He is comfortable on the ball, capable of playing out from the back and has the experience of competing at the highest level despite his age.

More importantly, he is a product of Cobham. Chelsea have invested heavily in their academy over the years, and allowing one of its most successful graduates to leave would make no sense when he is already established in the first team.

Liverpool's interest is a reminder that other clubs recognise his potential, too. Chelsea should not give them any encouragement by allowing uncertainty over his contract to develop.