Chelsea are keen to offload Ben Chilwell in January after being phased out of the squad by new manager Enzo Maresca.
According to Football Insider, Ben Chilwell is expected to leave Chelsea when the January window opens, as he’s not a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans. The 27-year-old misfit was banished from first-team training by the new manager, and while there’s been a minor respite to his situation, the defender will be sold at all costs.
Ben Chilwell to leave Chelsea
Enzo Maresca’s arrival brought in some critical decisions with the squad, as the Italian was dealing with a bloated team and had to trim his options to an optimal level. While some young names were expected to be a part of his exclusions, the likes of Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell were also deemed surplus to requirements.
While Chalobah and Sterling secured deadline-day loan moves to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, respectively, Chilwell remained on the sidelines and failed to leave the club. Chelsea reportedly offered the 27-year-old to Manchester United in their otherwise successful attempts to sign Jadon Sancho; Chilwell was left in a limbo with regards to the season ahead.
While the 27-year-old misfit was excluded for most parts of this season so far, the report claims Chilwell has returned to training with the first team group, which does offer a glimmer of hope. However, this will be designed to keep the player fresh and allow him a chance to fight for his place, at least until January.
When the January window opens, Chelsea are keen to find a permanent solution to Chilwell’situation with all hands pointing towards an imminent exit. The 27-year-old will have suitors coming in for him, especially if he gets a chance between now and January.
Where can Chilwell go?
As Manchester United rejected the idea, it’s safe to assume many of his suitors are worried about his fitness, as the 27-year-old had another injury-ravaged season with Chelsea. Crystal Palace are keen to add him as they have less cover in the left-back role, with Tyrick Mitchel the only operator there.
A few Turkish sides enquired for Chilwell late in the window but the move has yet to materialise. As for the 27-year-old, he will feel the need to stay in the Premier League and continue the quest to have a promising career here, as he will have options, especially if he can maintain his fitness in the next few months.
