Enzo Maresca has wasted no time in cutting down Chelsea’s bloated squad since taking charge, showing little hesitation in making it clear which players fit into his plans and which do not. Among those on the fringes of the squad is Ben Chilwell, who finds himself in limbo at Stamford Bridge after failing to secure a move during the summer transfer window.
Raheem Sterling was another high-profile casualty of Maresca’s squad trimming, frozen out before making a deadline-day switch to Arsenal. However, while Sterling managed to find a new club, Chilwell wasn’t so fortunate, leaving him stuck in a difficult situation with limited game time and an uncertain future.
As the January transfer window approaches, there may be a lifeline for the £50m man, with a number of Premier League clubs expressing interest. Manchester United have recently been linked with Chilwell, but they are not the only club considering a move. According to TBR Football, Chelsea would entertain the idea of a ‘long-term’ loan deal for the left-back in the upcoming window, possibly extending up to 18 months, to facilitate his exit.
Chilwell is keen to leave in search of regular football after being told by Maresca in the summer that he doesn’t feature in Chelsea’s long-term plans. While there was interest in the 27-year-old during the summer window, no deal materialised, but talks are ongoing with potential suitors as January nears.
A permanent move could be challenging due to Chilwell’s substantial wages and the fact his contract runs until 2027, making a loan the most likely option. Crystal Palace and former club Leicester City have shown interest, but both are restricted by having already filled their two Premier League loan slots. Unless they cut short one of their current loans, they would only be able to pursue a permanent deal.
West Ham, Fulham, and Brentford are also thought to be keeping tabs on Chilwell’s situation, while a move abroad could be on the cards, with Marseille reportedly interested. Former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, now in charge at the French club, is said to be a fan of the England international. Italian side Atalanta have also emerged as a possible destination for the left-back.
The urgency for Chilwell to find regular football could be heightened by the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England manager. Tuchel, who managed Chilwell during his time at Chelsea, was a big supporter of the full-back, and Chilwell may feel a move is necessary to stay in the national team picture.
For a player of Chilwell’s calibre, sitting on the bench at Stamford Bridge is far from ideal. A January move, whether a loan or permanent transfer, might be the best option for all parties involved.