Enzo Maresca has been ruthless at Chelsea when it comes to trimming the fat from his squad.
Chelsea, of course, have an incredibly bloated squad, but Maresca hasn’t beat around the bush when it comes to making it clear who is and isn’t in his plans.
Raheem Sterling was frozen out of the squad before his move to Arsenal on deadline day, but not every player in that position was so lucky.
Indeed, Ben Chilwell was unable to get a move in the summer, and now, he’s in something of a footballing purgatory at Stamford Bridge.
However, with January around the corner, some avenues may be set to open up for the £50m man within the Premier League.
Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Chilwell recently, but there are other Premier League teams keen.
Chelsea willing to sanction long-term loan for Ben Chilwell
Chelsea would consider a ‘long-term’ loan for Ben Chilwell in January, TBR Football has been informed.
Chilwell is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge in the New Year after it was made clear to him over the summer by new head coach Enzo Maresca that he did not see a future for him.
There was interest in the 27-year-old in the summer, but now talks are ongoing with potential suitors.
Given Chilwell’s wages and the fact he has a contract to run until 2027 – a permanent deal would be a huge undertaking for any club, especially in January making a loan deal much more likely.
To that end TBR Football is told that Chelsea would consider a long-term loan, possibly 18-months to facilitate Chilwell’s potential exit.
Which clubs want to sign Ben Chilwell?
The likes of Crystal Palace and former club Leicester are keen, but both those sides currently have two Premier League loan players – so they would be restricted to permanent deals only, unless they cut short one of their other loans.
West Ham, Fulham and Brentford are also amongst his admirers.
Manchester United were offered the chance to sign Chilwell in the summer, and left-back remains a position of concern for the club – but as things stand the Red Devils have not rekindled their interest.
TBR Football understands that Chilwell could be offered a route abroad and one club who have an interest is Marseille where former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is understood to be an admirer.
It is also believed that Italian side Atalanta could offer Chilwell a route away from west London.
It is understood Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England boss will only make Chilwell’s quest for first-team football more pressing as he was a favourite of the German during their time together at Chelsea.
Chilwell is far too talented just to rot on the bench at Stamford Bridge, and a January move could be just what the doctor ordered for the full-back.
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