A Chelsea outcast faces an uncertain future as the club struggles to sell him ahead of the January transfer window.
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Chelsea have exceeded expectations this season, sitting second in the Premier League at Christmas, four points behind Liverpool, though with one extra game played.
While manager Enzo Maresca denies they are in the title race, many believe they’re just a few signings away from becoming serious contenders.
January, however, looks set to bring more departures than arrivals at Stamford Bridge. A host of frustrated players are keen to leave after being sidelined, and the club needs to generate funds after spending over £1 billion on transfers in the last two-and-a-half years.
Two names likely to depart are Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, both frozen out of the first team. Chilwell, who was deemed surplus to requirements last summer, has made just one 45-minute appearance this season during the Carabao Cup win over Barrow.
Despite links to several clubs in the previous transfer window, the 28-year-old failed to secure a move and now seems destined to leave when January arrives.
However, according to The Sun, Chelsea have yet to receive a single offer for the England international.
The primary obstacle is Chilwell’s enormous £200,000-a-week salary, one of the highest at the club. Though Manchester United, Napoli, and West Ham have shown interest in a transfer or loan deal, his wages and fitness concerns have deterred potential suitor.
Injuries have plagued the left-back throughout his career, causing him to miss 107 games for club and country since joining Chelsea in 2020 for £50 million.I
Chilwell enjoyed a promising start at Chelsea, winning the Champions League in his debut season. However, recurring injuries have hampered his progress, leaving his future at the club in doubt.
Speaking about the situation, Maresca recently said: “There are players who haven’t featured much for us, like Chilwell and Carney. They’re likely the first ones thinking of leaving because they train daily and want to play.
“Every situation is different. We’ll see if anyone comes forward and says, ‘I want to leave,’ and we’ll try to find a solution.”
As January approaches, the question remains: will Chelsea find a way to offload their high-earning defender? Or will Chilwell’s frustrations continue into the second half of the season?
