Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca announced that Ben Chilwell will likely leave Stamford Bridge in January. The England defender is searching for opportunities in the upcoming transfer window.
Speaking on Friday, Maresca stated that Chilwell, struggling with injuries, would be allowed to transfer if a suitable offer arises. Consequently, Chilwell will sit out Chelsea’s FA Cup third-round match against Morecambe to preserve his fitness for potential suitors. The 28-year-old, who has only played 45 minutes this season, is rumoured to be considering a move to West Ham following the appointment of former Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
It looks like Ben Chilwell's time at Chelsea is coming to an end…#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/blWPVBKQbo
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 10, 2025Chilwell, who joined Chelsea from Leicester in 2020, has made over 100 appearances and was part of the team that won the Champions League in his debut season. However, since Maresca’s arrival, Chilwell has fallen out of favour, with Marc Cucurella preferred as the starting left-back.
Furthermore, Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka are also expected to leave and will not feature against Morecambe. “It’s best to avoid using them to prevent injuries,” Maresca told reporters.
🚨 Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Cesare Casadei and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are all expected to leave Chelsea this month.
(Source: @GiveMeSport) pic.twitter.com/aiM6IhrA8S
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 8, 2025Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, another Leicester City transfer, has had limited playtime, but Maresca has affirmed his future with the team. While rumours circulate about Chelsea targeting Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and possibly recalling Trevoh Chalobah, Maresca emphasized that no immediate moves are planned despite existing injuries in his squad, including Wesley Fofana’s season-threatening hamstring injury and Benoit Badiashile’s unavailability until February. “Speculation is natural following an injury,” Maresca said, “but we value our current defenders and those we monitor abroad.”
