Ben Chilwell faces an ‘uncertain future’ at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca and might be sold this summer, according to sources.
The left-back joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 for £45 million and has been a key player for the club since then.
To date, he has made 106 appearances for the club, helping them win the Champions League in 2021 and reaching the FA Cup and League Cup finals.
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He has also played regularly for England, and he was a member of the squad that advanced to the Euro 2020 final.
However, the Telegraph reports that Chilwell’s position at Chelsea is under threat following a poor season and the demands of his new management.
The 27-year-old was elected vice-captain at the start of last season, but despite skipper Reece James’ protracted absence, he would seldom wear the armband due to injuries.
He made only 21 appearances in all competitions, 13 of which were starts, and struggled for form when he did play, which led to Gareth Southgate inexplicably excluding him from his Euro 2024 team.
However, the article says that Maresca’s style of play may not be compatible with what Chilwell can deliver, as the former Leicester manager prefers ‘Swiss Army Knife’ players who can play in a variety of places.
What Chilwell Said?
Chilwell has only ever played as a left-back or left-wingback, and Maresca loves his full-backs to invert into midfield, something the Three Lions star struggles with compared to teammate Marc Cucurella.
Perhaps for this reason, Chelsea is looking to recruit a new left-footed defender, with Euro 2020 star Riccardo Calafiori emerging as a key target.
Arsenal is also interested in the Italy international, and he is ‘open’ to joining the club after they tabled a £40 million proposal for him.
If the Blues sign him, it may be the end of Chilwell’s career, as he still has three years left on his contract, though it is unclear whether any potential buyers exist.
Chelsea have already lost two left-backs this summer, with Lewis Hall joining Newcastle permanently after a loan spell there last season, and the highly rated Ian Maatsen signing for Aston Villa.
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