Chilwell offered career lifeline by European giants

Cameron Smith

15 Oct 2024 18:00 BST
4 min read

Napoli have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell, who is set to leave Stamford Bridge in January.

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The 29-year-old was expected to depart the west London club during the summer transfer window after being placed in the ‘Bomb Squad’ by new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Despite this, Chilwell was unable to secure a transfer away and he remains a Chelsea player.

However, the ex-England international has been excluded from Chelsea’s matchday squad in 10 of their 11 competitive fixtures so far this campaign, with his only appearance coming off the bench against Barrow in September.

Manchester United have reportedly named Chilwell as their priority left-back target amid Luke Shaw’s injury woes, although Erik ten Hag’s side are set to face competition from Napoli, according to The Sun.

Antonio Conte has moved away from a back three system following the arrival of Scott McTominay from Man Utd, but Napoli remain keen on Chilwell and are eager to hand him a career lifeline.

A loan with an option-to-buy deal has been tipped as a possibility for Napoli, with Conte said to be a huge admirer of the former Leicester City defender.

However, the Serie A giants are set to face competition from a host of Premier League clubs during the mid-season window.

Fulham, Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town are also keen on landing Chilwell in January, as per The Sun, while Man Utd continue to be linked with a move.

© IMAGO - Ben Chilwell could leave Chelsea in January

What has Enzo Maresca said about Ben Chilwell?

After handing Chilwell his first and only appearance of the season so far, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hinted that a permanent return to the first-team fold could be on the cards for the Englishman.

“At the moment we need him [Chilwell],” Maresca said. “I will say again, at the moment he is with us, he is one of the Chelsea players and one of our players. If we need to, we will give him chances and minutes.

“We all make mistakes. I had to make a decision; sometimes they are good and sometimes not. There is not any bad intention from me. It was just to try and think of the best thing for the club.”

However, Chilwell is yet to feature since his substitute appearance against Barrow and is expected to leave Chelsea in January.