August 21st 2024.
It seems like there's some major changes happening at Chelsea as star players Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling appear to be on their way out of Stamford Bridge. After falling out of favor with new manager Enzo Maresca, it looks like their time at the club may be coming to an end.
Chilwell and Sterling have been key players for Chelsea in recent years, but since Maresca's arrival from Leicester City, they have struggled to impress him. In fact, just a few days before the start of the new season, Maresca didn't hold back in telling Chilwell that it was time for him to find a new club. He explained, "I love the way he plays, but he's been having a hard time finding his best position with us. We have a squad of 22 players, and everyone wants to play, but that's just not possible. It's not good for them or for me if they're not getting any game time. I have to make a decision. It's probably better for them to leave and get some minutes elsewhere. The transfer window is open, so we'll see what happens."
Maresca's stance on Sterling and Chilwell was made even clearer in a press conference on Wednesday, where he confirmed that the two players were no longer training with the first team and should look for a new club before the transfer window closes.
Chilwell, who was signed for £45m from Leicester in 2020, had a strong start to his career at Chelsea but has since been plagued by recurring injuries. Last season, he only featured in 13 Premier League games and has now been displaced by Marc Cucurella, who has become a key member of the squad after a slow start. As for Sterling, he joined Chelsea in 2022 for £50m and has made 81 appearances for the club. However, he was left out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester City, which came as a shock to him. Maresca clarified that it was purely a technical decision and not a personal one.
With their futures at Chelsea uncertain, many are wondering where Chilwell and Sterling could end up next. There have been rumors of a move abroad, with Serie A giants Juventus and Turkish club Fenerbahce both linked to Sterling. However, a return to the Premier League is not off the table, with Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Everton all potential destinations.
As for Chilwell, it's been speculated that he could join Manchester United, who were interested in signing him earlier in the summer. Other Premier League clubs like West Ham, Brentford, Newcastle, and Everton may also be interested in the talented left-back.
In response to his omission from the squad, Sterling's representatives released a statement saying that they were surprised by the decision and that they had been given reassurances about his future at the club. As for Chilwell, former England midfielder Danny Murphy warned him that he was unlikely to get much playing time under Maresca and that he should be looking for a new club.
It looks like there could be some major changes happening at Chelsea, and only time will tell where Chilwell and Sterling will end up. But for now, they will continue to support the club and hope for some clarity on their situations.
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