Chelsea are grappling with a significant transfer dilemma after Ben Chilwell refused to take a pay cut, complicating his potential January exit.
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The 28-year-old left-back, who is earning £190k a week, is deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Enzo Maresca.
Despite the January transfer window providing an opportunity to move him on, Chilwell’s unwillingness to reduce his wages has left the club in a challenging position.
Stalemate Over Chilwell’s Future
According to reports, Chelsea may now be forced to either offer Chilwell a substantial severance deal or heavily subsidize a loan move to another club.
Chilwell, who has only made one appearance this season in the Carabao Cup against Barrow AFC, was left out of the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League squad entirely.
Maresca, speaking last month, suggested that players like Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, who haven’t featured regularly, might seek moves away from Stamford Bridge during the winter window.
However, Chilwell’s refusal to adjust his financial terms has added complexity to an already strained situation.
Chilwell’s Chelsea Legacy
Chilwell, signed from Leicester City for £50m in 2020, is under contract until 2027. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he has played 107 matches, contributing 12 assists and scoring nine goals.
His highlight with the club came in 2021 when he helped Chelsea secure the Champions League title under former manager Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea are now faced with limited options: negotiate a subsidized loan deal, provide a costly severance package, or keep a player who has fallen out of favor. As the January transfer window progresses, the situation surrounding Chilwell’s future remains uncertain.
