Chelsea are encountering significant difficulties in their efforts to offload Ben Chilwell during the January transfer window, as the defender remains unwilling to accept a pay cut to facilitate his departure. The 27-year-old England international, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2020 for a substantial £50 million fee from Leicester City, is currently earning £190,000 per week. Despite his impressive credentials, Chilwell has found himself frozen out of the first team under manager Enzo Maresca, who has made it clear that the left-back does not feature in his long-term plans. With two and a half years still remaining on his lucrative contract, Chelsea are left in a tough position as they attempt to negotiate a move that aligns with both the player’s demands and the club’s strategy.

Chelsea Consider Severance Package Or Loan Deal To Offload Chilwell

Ben Chilwell’s frustrations have grown after being left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Conference League—a competition where fringe players have been given opportunities—and making just one appearance this season, playing 45 minutes in a 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barrow. Despite his lack of game time, the 28-year-old remains unwilling to forgo his lucrative £190,000-a-week contract. According to The Sun, Chelsea may be forced to offer Chilwell a severance package or arrange a heavily subsidized loan deal to facilitate his departure during the January transfer window.

Chelsea Boss Maresca Addresses Potential January Departures

Ben Chilwell is among five Chelsea players identified for potential exits this month, alongside Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Harvey Vale, and Alex Matos. Chukwuemeka, a £20 million signing from Aston Villa in 2022, has seen limited game time under Enzo Maresca, who prefers to work with a streamlined squad. Addressing the situation, Maresca stated, “Players like Chilwell and Carney train daily but haven’t featured much. They are likely the first to consider leaving, as they want regular playing time. Each case is different, and we’ll see if they express a desire to move on.”

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Chilwell’s Struggles Persist Amid January Transfer Challenges

Ben Chilwell’s transfer prospects remain complicated, with the defender managing just 13 Premier League appearances last season due to hamstring and knee injuries. These setbacks contributed to his omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad and hindered Chelsea’s efforts to sell him during the summer, despite reported interest from Manchester United. Chilwell’s lack of game time continues to pose challenges in finding a buyer, even as January approaches. Previously part of Chelsea’s “bomb squad,” Chilwell trained away from the main group as the club sought to facilitate his exit. In September, manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the situation, stating, “We are going to sit with him and find a solution. He’s not training with us right now, but that may change.”