‘I loved Chelsea – I would have liked to play with Lampard’: Atletico Madrid defender and Stamford Bridge target Jose Gimenez reveals his childhood adoration for the Blues manager
- Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez has opened up on his childhood love for Chelsea
- The 25-year-old explained to LaLiga his desire to work alongside Frank Lampard
- Lampard is in the market for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season
Jose Gimenez has left the door wide open for a move to Chelsea after the Atletico Madrid defender revealed he loves the club and wants to work under Frank Lampard.
Lampard is keen to bolster his defence ahead of the 2020-21 season having found the team to be unbalanced last season.
A centre back is on the list for Lampard and 25-year-old Gimenez represents Champions League quality having been a regular under Diego Simeone for Atletico.
While Gimenez, who is under contract at the Wanda Metropolitano through until 2023, would not come cheap, his public show of affection to Chelsea certainly strengthens their hand.
‘I would have liked to play with Lampard,’ he said in an interview with LaLiga.
‘I always used to watch Chelsea as a kid, loved them.’
Jimenez predominantly plays in a centre back role but has been deployed both at right back and in defensive midfield in the past.
Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell, valued around £80million, is a target for Lampard at left back but that deal remains consigned to just interest at this stage on the Blues’ behalf.
More to follow.