Chelsea plan revealed: Exiled Chilwell could still leave

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Sept 2024 19:45 BST
3 min read

Ben Chilwell, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are willing to sanction a late exit of Ben Chilwell to Turkey, according to a report.

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From vice-captain to outcast: Chilwell has been one of the biggest losers of Enzo Maresca's appointment at Stamford Bridge, with the new coach publically stating that there is no room in his team for the former Leicester man.

Maresca does not believe that Chilwell fits his tactical ideas and, as a result, the 27-year-old has been relegated to the role of an exile. However, as the ex-England international is a big earner, there was always an acceptance at Chelsea that it would be difficult to get him off the books in the summer.

Indeed, the Premier League transfer window came and went and precious little materialised on the Chilwell front. Brentford had enquired about him, while Man Utd were frequently linked, but neither club ultimately pursued a deal.

Chilwell heading to Turkey?

Last week, it was reported that Chilwell and Chelsea were still exploring potential solutions for the player to leave as Maresca has made it very clear that he will not play for him.

It was claimed that the left-back had been offered to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, but so far, this story has not developed further. However, according to The Telegraph, Chelsea are open to loaning Chilwell to Turkey.

As there is 'virtually no chance' of a permanent transfer, the Blues are willing to sanction a temporary move, though specific clubs have not been named.

Intriguingly, the report also claims, contrary to previous assertions, that Chilwell has actually been removed from the first team and forced to train with the last remnants of Chelsea's 'Bomb Squad.' Chilwell now faces the choice of not playing for at least four months or moving to Turkey.