Chelsea ready to sell two players in January as they look to trim squad - Reports
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sell defender Ben Chilwell and attacking midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window. Both players have made just one appearance each for the Blues this season, which came in their 5-0 EFL Cup win against Barrow.
According to Caught Offside, the Blues aren't expected to do much business in January 2025. However, they could offload Chilwell and Chukwuemeka, who haven't featured heavily in Enzo Maresca's plans so far.
At the end of last month, Maresca openly stated that he expected Chukwuemeka to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, especially as there were links to other clubs. He said (via GOAL):
"We decided at the beginning of the season it is probably better to leave and go somewhere, prove himself and playing 30 or 35 games than being here and play less games."
Carney Chukwuemeka has made just one appearance, playing 14 minutes in Chelsea's 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup on September 24. Ben Chilwell featured for 45 minutes in the same match.
Maresca had stated in the summer that the Blues were looking to offload the English full-back. However, he ended up staying at the club and has since been reintegrated into the first-team squad.
Enzo Maresca dismisses remarks comparing Chelsea to other English giants
Enzo Maresca has dismissed remarks comparing the Blues to Arsenal and Manchester City, claiming that his side are not ready to compete with the aforementioned teams. Although they sit in top-four behind the two big clubs and Liverpool, Maresca doesn't think his men are ready to push for the Premier League title.
After Chelsea beat Gent 4-2 in the Europa Conference League on October 3, Maresca said (via Sky Sports):
"I really don't think we can compete with City and Arsenal. I really think that, because we are not ready. The reason why is that City are working with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five years. It's something that if you want to compete for important things, you need that time."
Chelsea fans will be impressed with their progress since Maresca took over in the summer and will be hoping their side can perform well in a tough fixture list after the international break.