Chelsea are one of three Premier League sides to have joined the race to sign Wigan Athletic left-back Antonee Robinson when the transfer window reopens in the summer, a report from The Daily Mirror has claimed.

Robinson saw a reported £10million move to AC Milan fall through on deadline day in the January window, and it seems that near-miss for the American international has attracted the attention of a number of other clubs.

According to the latest updates, Chelsea are now looking to steal a march in the battle for Robinson's signature, although it seems they are not alone.

It is thought that Frank Lampard's side have already made contact with Wigan about a potential move for Robinson ahead of the summer, and that Aston Villa and Newcastle United have done the same.

Robinson only made his loan move to Wigan from Everton permanent last summer, for a fee said to be worth around £2million.

The 22-year-old has made a total of 56 appearances in all competitions for the Latics, but has been absent from their matchday squad for the two games they have played since the collapse of his move to the San Siro.

There are two-and-a-half years remaining on Robinson's contract with Wigan, securing his future at the DW Stadium until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict

I don't think there is too much of a surprise here.

It often seems to be the case that as soon as one big club make a move for a player further down the footballing pyramid, several others follow, in an attempt to avoid missing out on a bargain deal.

With his performances so far this season, it certainly seems as though Robinson has the capability to be just that, although given his current contract situation, Wigan will at least be in a good position to negotiate any offers that come in for the full-back.

As a result, you feel it could well be a sensible move for the Latics to start planning their search for Robinson's replacement sooner rather than later, as a move such as this is one he will surely want to make.