October 22nd 2024.
Ben Chilwell has experienced a decline in his playing time at Chelsea recently. Despite being a key player for the team in the past, the 27-year-old has fallen out of favor and was even offered to Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window. However, the German club declined the opportunity to sign him as they already had a solid left-back in Ramy Bensebaini.
Chilwell's decrease in playing time led to him being named as a member of Chelsea's "bomb squad" by the media. Along with other players like Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka, he was encouraged by Enzo Maresca and club officials to explore other options in order to secure regular game-time.
Although Chilwell did make an appearance in Chelsea's recent Carabao Cup win, it is understood that he still wishes to leave the club and find a new team where he can play regularly. According to reports, Chelsea made contact with Dortmund in the summer about a potential transfer, but the German club ultimately decided against it.
Dortmund's first-choice left-back, Bensebaini, seems to have solidified his place in the team, but they do not have many other options in that position. Julian Ryerson and Nuri Sahin have been mentioned as possible alternatives, but they do not have much experience playing in that role. There is also young academy star Almugera Kabar, but he has yet to make his debut for the club.
It is believed that a separation between Chilwell and Chelsea is the "logical consequence" ahead of the January transfer window. Dortmund have not ruled out the possibility of looking for a left-back in the transfer market, but it remains to be seen if they will revisit the idea of signing Chilwell.
The defender still has three years left on his contract with Chelsea, but Maresca had encouraged him to seek out opportunities elsewhere in the summer. Since joining the club in 2020 for a hefty fee, Chilwell has made 107 appearances in all competitions and was a crucial part of their Champions League-winning team last season.
On the international stage, Chilwell has been capped 21 times for England, but was left out of the Euro 2024 squad due to injuries. Recently, Napoli have shown interest in signing him, with former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte being a fan of the player. Premier League teams Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich have also been linked with Chilwell in the past few weeks.
Despite his current situation at Chelsea, Chilwell remains a talented and valuable player who will have plenty of options should he decide to leave the club. It will be interesting to see where he ends up and if he can regain his place as a regular starter for his new team.
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