Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Ben Chilwell is unlikely to have a future at Chelsea despite rejoining Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad. Romano has indicated that the 27-year-old is currently the third-choice left-back at Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ben Chilwell’s Future at Chelsea Under Enzo Maresca Uncertain
Shortly after taking over as the new Chelsea manager, Maresca divided the squad into two groups – one consisting of important players and the other of surplus players. Like his compatriot Raheem Sterling, Chilwell found himself in the latter group, with the coach suggesting that the defender should consider a move.
Prior to Chelsea’s Premier League match against Manchester City, Maresca stated (via ESPN):
“It’s quite clear, I appreciate his qualities but he is struggling a bit to find his best position within our team. We had 22 players training this morning, and everyone wants to play against City on Sunday. However, that’s not possible.
“When players train daily but don’t get playing time, it’s not beneficial for anyone. I need to make decisions. It might be better for him to seek opportunities elsewhere and get more minutes. The transfer window is open, so we’ll see what happens.”
Although Chelsea and Chilwell attempted to work out a transfer during the summer window, a move did not materialize. Chilwell has since rejoined Maresca’s first-team training and could be in line to feature in upcoming matches.
Fabrizio Romano Believes Ben Chilwell is Still on the Outs at Chelsea
Despite recent updates, Romano remains convinced that Chilwell is not part of Maresca’s immediate plans. In his Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, Romano revealed:
“Chilwell is back training with the Chelsea squad now. However, it seems unlikely that he will have significant playing time as Veiga and Cucurella are the main options at left-back. He will need to fight for his place.”
According to Footie Central, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town are monitoring Chilwell’s situation and could make a move for him in the January transfer window.
