Manchester City are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour, who impressed in the Blues’ recent FA Cup win against Liverpool.
As per a report from Spanish publication El Desmarque (h/t Express), Manchester City have set their sights on Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour with manager Pep Guardiola intent on signing the teenage midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Gilmour is a product of the Rangers’ youth academy. The 18-year-old was held in high regard by the Scottish giants, but he opted to leave the Gers to sign for Chelsea in the summer of 2017. Having arrived at Stamford Bridge, Gilmour made his debut for the Blues’ first-team in August 2019 in a Premier League clash against Sheffield United.
Since then, the midfielder has featured five more times for Chelsea, with his most recent appearance coming in the FA Cup fifth round against Liverpool. Gilmour was exceptional against the Premier League champions-elect in the cup tie, putting on a performance belying his age and lack of experience as Chelsea went on to win 2-0.
With N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic facing time out on the sidelines due to injuries and Jorginho suspended for the upcoming games, Gilmour is in contention to receive more game time, after making a solid impression on manager Frank Lampard.
Billy Gilmour's game by numbers vs. Liverpool:
77% pass accuracy
62 touches
37 passes completed
5 tackles
2 take-ons
2 aerial duels
2 clearances
1 chance createdJust 18-years-old. ? pic.twitter.com/wmop3R202o
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 3, 2020
“He showed he is absolutely comfortable at this level. I’m the first not to get carried away, but if he can play like he played tonight then he’s comfortable at this level. He can get himself in and around the team. The players know that, they sense good players,” the Chelsea boss said after the Liverpool clash.
Naturally, Gilmour’s display against Liverpool hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola taking a huge liking to the Scotsman’s abilities. Guardiola is set to oversee a rebuild at the Etihad ahead of the next season and has identified Gilmour as a player he wants to sign at the earliest possible.
With David Silva’s contract expiring and Fernandinho taking up a role in defence, Manchester City could use bringing in a new central midfielder come summer. The report further adds the Cityzens might have to face competition for Gilmour’s signing, with Real Madrid and Barcelona also monitoring the midfielder.
Gilmour is contracted with Chelsea till the summer of 2023. And seeing how glowingly Lampard spoke of him, it is extremely unlikely that the Blues would be open to selling the teenager, especially to a direct rival.
