Chelsea star linked with a move to Serie A giants as Enzo Maresca looks to trim squad size: Reports
Napoli are considering a move for Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell, according to The Sun. The English left-back is no longer part of Enzo Maresca's plans at Stamford Bridge and will be allowed to leave in 2025.
Chilwell joined the Blues from Leicester City in 2020 and has endured a mixed stay at the club so far. The 27-year-old has appeared 107 times for the London giants, scoring nine goals and setting up 12 more.
Last season, Chilwell registered just 21 appearances across competitions for Chelsea, missing many games due to various injuries. The Blues were eager to offload the Englishman over the summer, but a move failed to materialize.
He has appeared just once this season, as a substitute in the 5-0 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup Third Round. Maresca has already sanctioned his departure and Napoli are now plotting to take him to Serie A.
The Italian giants invested heavily in the Premier League market this summer, bringing in Scott McTominay from Manchester United and Billy Gilmour from Brighton & Hove Albion. Antonio Conte has now set his sights on Chilwell, and believes he can get the best out of the Englishman.
Napoli are planning to sign the Chelsea man on loan in January ahead of a possible permanent deal next summer. The player is under contract with the Blues until 2027, but his time at Stamford Bridge could come to an end at the turn of the year. With Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga covering well at left-back, the London giants are unlikely to miss Ben Chilwell either.
How have Chelsea performed this season?
Chelsea have invested heavily in the squad in recent transfer windows, focusing on talented young players of late. The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of last season and handed the keys to the first team squad to Enzo Maresca.
The London giants had a busy summer as well, roping in multiple new faces to bolster their squad. Maresca also sanctioned the depatures of many old names as he trimmed his squad to fit his standards.
The Italian manager, fresh from helping Leicester City win the Championship, has enjoyed a decent start at London. Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League after seven games, with four wins and one defeat so far.
They have scored 16 times in the league, conceding eight others. The Blues have lost just twice in 11 games this season and are responding well to Maresca's tactics.