EXCLUSIVE: Potter pushing for Chilwell as first West Ham signing

Steve Kay

• Updated: 10 Jan 2025 10:37 CST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

New West Ham United manager Graham Potter is seeking a reunion with Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell as his first signing at the London Stadium, FootballTransfers can confirm.

Potter was announced as West Ham’s new boss on Thursday following Julen Lopetegui’s sacking less than 24 hours earlier, and with the Hammers struggling in the Premier League standings, there is pressure on him to work quickly to make his squad competitive.

He is set to use his connections at Chelsea, the club he departed little over 18 months ago, to land Chilwell on a loan deal.

Current ETV

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

€11.1M

ETV Range

€8.3M - €13.9M

View full profile

The 28-year-old England left-back has been totally frozen out following the arrival of Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge, not even making the club’s Premier League squad. While Chelsea were successful in moving on numerous unwanted first-team players in the summer, Chilwell was left marooned.

West Ham are ready to help salvage his season and are pushing for a move, sources have indicated.

READ MORE: The THREE signings Enzo Maresca must make in 2025

West Ham’s Chilwell plan

Chelsea would prefer to sell Chilwell but are open to a loan deal, which looks like West Ham's route at this point.

In a move similar to the one that has taken Raheem Sterling to Arsenal, the Blues are set to cover part of the defender’s wages until the summer.

West Ham are seeking to push Vladimir Coufal off their books in a bid to get their deal for Chilwell over the line. His contract runs out in the summer and there is no prospect of that being renewed at this point.

Coufal’s estimated wages of £30,000 per week would then be funnelled towards paying for Chilwell.

Should the Chelsea player arrive, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be switched to his preferred position on the right of the defence, clearing the way for Chilwell to feature on the left.

Given the England international’s status firmly out of the picture at Chelsea, striking a deal to take him to West Ham should not prove too tricky.