Crystal Palace are leading the race for Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, despite reported interest from Arsenal in the youngster.

Levi Colwill playing for the England u21s (Photo via Levi Colwill on Instagram)
Levi Colwill playing for the England u21s (Photo via Levi Colwill on Instagram)

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal are huge admirers of 19-year-old Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill. However, it appears likely they’re going to miss out on the defender to another Premier League club – if he leaves Chelsea at all.

The problem for Arsenal is that they couldn’t offer Colwill immediate starts at left-centre-back.

That’s a big issue, considering the teenager is considering a transfer for game time, not because he has any ill will towards Chelsea.

The Athletic report that Crystal Palace are confident of securing Colwill’s signature, for a reunion with former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi.

Southampton, Fulham, Leicester City, Brighton, and Everton are all listed by The Athletic as clubs in the race. It’s hard to imagine Arsenal offering more minutes than most of the teams in that group.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 12, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the touchline on May 12, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The one advantage Arsenal have is the Europa League. There’s a serious possibility for young players to get opportunities in the competition, with the extra games and the packed schedule.

It’s also simply a chance to get going in European football, which should be another appealing factor.

But if a club like Palace are offering Colwill the chance to start in Premier League matches, Arsenal will likely struggle to compete.