Chelsea to get creative to force January transfer

Suraj Radia

• 18 Oct 2024 07:30 CDT
• 3 min read

Chelsea are finally set to field interest in Ben Chilwell in January, with the Blues open to letting their unwanted defender leave on an intriguing deal.

Chilwell was told by Enzo Maresca during the summer that he had no future at Chelsea, however the England international failed to find a move away before the close of the transfer window.

Having been a part of Maresca’s ‘bomb squad’, Chilwell has now been reintegrated and allowed to train with Chelsea’s first team, although he has still seen just 45 minutes of action all season, coming on as a substitute in the Carabao Cup win against Barrow.

READ MORE: Chelsea prepare €75m January move for world class striker

Despite Chilwell forcing his way back into Maresca’s squad, Chelsea are still looking to get rid of the 27-year-old in January and FootballTransfers understands that the player’s former club Leicester will be among the front runners for his signature.

Having seen no teams willing to sign Chilwell during the summer, Chelsea are open to letting the left-back leave on loan to try and force a permanent departure down the line.

TBR Football claim that Chelsea would now consider a long-term loan for Chilwell in order to convince teams to sign him, with West Ham among the sides that could be targeted for an 18-month deal.

Which teams could sign Chilwell in January?

Chilwell still has three years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge and he remains one of the club’s highest earners, with his wage demands among the reasons teams were put off his signature during the summer.

There were also concerns over Chilwell’s fitness after he missed large portions of last season through injury, leading to no teams willing to take a risk on a transfer.

Current ETV

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

Ben Chilwell

D, M (L)

Chelsea

€16.1M

ETV Range

€12.1M - €20.1M

View full profile

However, interest is likely to arise in Chilwell in January, with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Brentford named as potential landing spots, while Atalanta and Marseille could offer the defender an opportunity to move abroad.

The situation could prove difficult for Palace and Leicester, with both sides at their limit for Premier League loans, meaning they would only be able to sign Chilwell permanently unless one of their temporary players leaves.