Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has indeed made significant and bold decisions to reshape the club’s squad, and so far, these choices have paid off, as evidenced by their strong start to the Premier League season. Currently sitting in the top four of the league table, Chelsea’s form has been commendable, and Maresca’s adjustments have revitalized the squad.
However, the restructuring has led to the departure of several key players, while others remain on the fringes, waiting for an exit. Among the players who have been pushed out of the first-team fold is a long-serving Chelsea stalwart, who was once a central figure at Stamford Bridge but has now been relegated from first-team training.
Maresca recently addressed this situation, acknowledging that while this player had been banished from regular involvement, his exit from the club is likely, with Chelsea open to offers. Although the player’s identity has yet to be fully disclosed, it is clear that the club’s focus remains on moving forward with a fresh, dynamic squad while balancing the departures of players who no longer fit into Maresca’s plans.
Maresca on Ben Chilwell
Ahead of Chelsea’s Europa League fixture against Gent, which saw the Blues secure a resounding victory, manager Maresca addressed the situation surrounding Ben Chilwell. The English left-back, who had previously been informed that he no longer had a future at the club and was advised to seek opportunities elsewhere, remains part of the squad. Despite this, Chilwell is still earning a hefty £200,000 per week at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca, when asked about Chilwell’s future and role in Chelsea’s new-look side, stated (h/t TalkSport):
“Yes, at the moment we need him, why not?
“I said it many times and I will say again that, as long as Chilly is with us, he is a Chelsea player. And if we need him, we give him a chance and minutes.
Chilwell’s situation at Chelsea has been a focal point this season, with the left-back only making a single appearance in the Europa League clash against Barrow. While Chilwell remains an exceptional player with undeniable quality, it’s clear that the direction of Chelsea’s squad under Enzo Maresca is geared towards younger, faster legs.
Maresca has shown a clear preference for Marc Cucurella as the starting left-back, with Renato Veiga offering additional depth in the position. This shift suggests that Chilwell’s role within the squad has significantly diminished. As Chelsea’s lineup continues to evolve, it’s likely that the English international will look for a new opportunity elsewhere, potentially bringing in a decent transfer fee for the West London club.
Chilwell, who was signed from Leicester City in 2020, still holds significant value in the transfer market, and his departure could bring Chelsea a solid return. Clubs in need of an experienced left-back might see Chilwell as a strong addition, especially given his previous Premier League and Champions League experience. The January transfer window could be pivotal for both the player and the club, as a potential move becomes more likely.
