Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has made a decisive move regarding the futures of two high-profile players at Stamford Bridge, signaling that both Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are no longer part of his long-term plans. Maresca is reportedly prepared to offload the £100,000-per-week midfielder Chukwuemeka, alongside left-back Chilwell, as both players have been “firmly” excluded from his project. These players are now expected to depart in the upcoming January transfer window.
The speculation surrounding Ben Chilwell’s future has been ongoing since the summer, and now it appears his departure from Chelsea is imminent. Once considered a key figure for the Blues, Chilwell’s standing within the squad has significantly diminished. Maresca previously left the 27-year-old out of the squad for a series of matches, but temporarily reinstated him for Chelsea’s EFL Cup win over Barrow last month. The reasoning behind this move was largely pragmatic, as the club seeks to showcase the defender to potential buyers ahead of the mid-season transfer window. Despite the playing time afforded to Chilwell, it appears the decision to move him on remains unchanged.
Speaking before Chilwell’s return to the first-team fold on September 24, Maresca acknowledged the plan to reintegrate him for the Barrow match, stating, “I think so. Hopefully, we can give him some minutes tomorrow.” This brief appearance, however, did little to alter Maresca’s stance on Chilwell’s long-term future. The left-back played 45 minutes in Chelsea’s 5-0 victory, but his inclusion was more a tactical maneuver to attract interest from potential suitors than a sign of reinvigoration within the team.
Maresca has been clear that the intention remains to sell Chilwell in January. While the defender continues to train with the squad and will likely feature in the club’s upcoming fixtures, his future lies elsewhere. Chelsea’s next set of Premier League matches includes significant clashes with Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Arsenal, but Chilwell’s involvement in these high-stakes games may be minimal as the club maneuvers to find him a new destination in the winter window.
Chilwell’s potential departure from Chelsea has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United. Over the summer, there were reports that Chilwell was offered to the Red Devils as they sought reinforcement at left-back. Chilwell himself was reportedly keen on the move to Old Trafford, but United ultimately decided against the transfer, despite their defensive needs at the time. Now, with his stock continuing to fall, his exit from Stamford Bridge seems all but certain.
Chilwell’s decline in status is stark, particularly considering the high regard in which he was once held. Mauricio Pochettino, who previously managed the team, hailed Chilwell as one of the best left-backs in the world. However, injuries—particularly to his hamstring and knee—have severely impacted his form, and Maresca does not appear to share Pochettino’s lofty assessment of the player. Chilwell’s commanding £200,000-per-week salary further complicates matters, with few clubs likely to match his current wages without a significant reduction.
Alongside Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka is another name being tipped for an exit in January. The 20-year-old midfielder, who earns £100,000 per week, has struggled to establish himself under Maresca and is now considered surplus to requirements. According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chukwuemeka is firmly on the list of players Chelsea is looking to offload in the winter window. While still highly regarded for his potential, the England Under-21 international has not been able to secure a regular place in the team.
Several clubs have already expressed interest in Chukwuemeka, with AC Milan and teams from Saudi Arabia leading the race for his signature. The Rossoneri are particularly keen on the youngster, as they look for budget-friendly options to bolster their midfield. A potential loan move to the San Siro has been mooted, with Milan hoping to capitalize on Chukwuemeka’s situation at Chelsea to secure a cost-effective reinforcement for their squad.
Interestingly, despite his uncertain future at Chelsea, Chukwuemeka has found support from a former Blues legend. Marcel Desailly, the French World Cup winner, has publicly praised the midfielder, referring to him as an “artist” on the pitch. “I like Carney Chukwuemeka because he’s like an artist stepping onto the stage,” Desailly said. “He has the ball. Now is my moment. Shine. You can see his dribbling skills. He is confident in his decisions and clinical in execution. I love it.” Despite Desailly’s admiration, it seems that Maresca does not share the same view, and Chukwuemeka’s days at Chelsea appear numbered.
As January approaches, the futures of both Chilwell and Chukwuemeka will be closely watched, with their departures expected to free up space for Chelsea to continue their rebuild under Maresca’s leadership. Whether these moves will pay off for the players and the club remains to be seen, but their exclusion from Chelsea’s long-term vision suggests that the winds of change are blowing at
Stamford Bridge.