July 4th 2024.
Chelsea's left-back Ben Chilwell has had a challenging season under manager Enzo Maresca. Recent reports suggest that his future at the club is uncertain, and he may be sold during the upcoming summer transfer window. This news comes as a surprise, considering Chilwell's importance to the Blues since his arrival from Leicester City in 2020 for a whopping £45million. With 106 appearances under his belt, he has been a crucial player in Chelsea's success, including their Champions League win in 2021 and appearances in the finals of the FA Cup and League Cup. He has also been a regular for England and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2020 final.
However, according to the Telegraph, Chilwell's position at Chelsea is at risk due to a difficult campaign and the demands of his new manager. Despite being named vice-captain at the start of last season, he struggled with injuries and could barely wear the armband, even in the prolonged absence of skipper Reece James. His lack of form on the pitch resulted in a surprising omission from Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad. It seems that Maresca's style of play may not be a good fit for Chilwell, as the former Leicester boss prefers versatile players who can operate in multiple positions. Chilwell, on the other hand, has only ever played as a left-back or left-wingback. Additionally, Maresca prefers his full-backs to invert into midfield, a skill that Chilwell doesn't possess as well as his teammate Marc Cucurella.
This could explain why Chelsea is in the market for a new left-footed defender, with Euro 2020 star Riccardo Calafiori emerging as a top target. Interestingly, Arsenal is also interested in the 22-year-old, and he is reportedly open to the idea of joining the Gunners after they made a £40m bid for him. If Chelsea manages to secure Calafiori's signature, it could mean the end for Chilwell, who still has three years left on his contract. However, it is unclear if there are any potential buyers for the 27-year-old. The Blues have already sold two left-backs this summer, with Lewis Hall joining Newcastle permanently after his loan spell there last season, and Ian Maatsen signing for Aston Villa.
It's been a busy summer for Chelsea, with many changes happening within the squad. As fans eagerly await updates on the club's transfer activities, the uncertainty surrounding Chilwell's future adds to the excitement. Will he stay and fight for his place under Maresca, or will he move on to a new challenge? Only time will tell. In the meantime, let's continue to support the Blues and hope for another successful season ahead. Remember to stay updated with all the latest Chelsea news, exclusives, and analysis by signing up for our newsletter. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting it through our Privacy Policy, which is in line with Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
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