Ben Chilwell: Navigating a New Chapter at Chelsea Amid Napoli Interest
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell finds himself at a crossroads as he faces a challenging situation with his current club. After being largely overlooked in favor of new signing Marc Cucurella under head coach Enzo Maresca, Chilwell has made just one substitute appearance this season. This limited playing time has prompted speculation regarding his future, particularly with Napoli reportedly interested in acquiring the left-back during the January transfer window.
Chilwell, who was once a key player for Chelsea, has been sidelined following Maresca’s appointment in June. The defender was notably encouraged to seek a new club as part of the team’s restructuring. In the wake of this development, Chilwell found himself categorized as part of Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad,” a group of players deemed surplus to requirements. This group also includes prominent names such as Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Cesare Casadei.
Despite making a surprise appearance as a substitute in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup victory over Barrow, the 27-year-old remains eager to find a path away from Stamford Bridge, seeking regular playing time that he currently lacks. Reports from The Sun indicate that a move away from Chelsea is likely, with Napoli emerging as a strong contender for his signature. Antonio Conte, who previously managed Chelsea from 2016 to 2018, is believed to hold a keen interest in bringing Chilwell to Italy, showcasing his admiration for the player.
Napoli’s potential strategy could involve securing Chilwell on an initial loan deal, coupled with an option to purchase him outright at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. However, the Serie A side will not have an easy path to acquiring the England international, as several Premier League clubs—namely Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich—are also reported to be monitoring the situation closely and may swoop in for the defender.
Chilwell’s concerns about his lack of game time have been echoed by Maresca, who recently suggested that the left-back could still play a role in the team. Following the 5-0 win over Barrow, Maresca remarked, “At the moment, we need him, why not? I’ve said many times that as long as Chilly is with us, he is a Chelsea player. If we need him, we will give him a chance and minutes.”
Despite these reassurances, Chilwell’s starting position remains precarious, especially given Cucurella’s solidification as Chelsea’s left-back, starting all seven Premier League matches this season. Chilwell still has three years remaining on his contract with Chelsea, having joined the club for around £50 million from Leicester City in 2020. Since then, he has made 107 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as a key figure in Chelsea’s squad.
Chilwell was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League-winning campaign in 2021, contributing significantly to the team’s success. However, injuries have hampered his progress, including his exclusion from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024. As he navigates this challenging period, the coming months could prove pivotal for Chilwell’s career as he considers his options and potential new beginnings, either with Chelsea or elsewhere in Europe. With the January transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on his next move.
