Ben Chilwell exit: ‘Huge’ Chelsea pay-off update
Chelsea could hand outcast Ben Chilwell a “huge severance deal” in order for him to leave, according to The Sun.
According to the outlet’s website on 1 January, the Blues are looking at alternative options to sell Chilwell as they could also “heavily subsidise a loan” as another option.
The England international has been out of favour since Enzo Maresca joined the club and has not played a single minute this season.
The report also suggests that the former Leicester City man is “unhappy at being so far down the pecking order” as Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga have ultimately taken his place.
These alternative options have been put forward as it will be difficult to move the defender on due to his high wage demands.
Chelsea need to find a solution for players that are on the fringes
Football Insider opinion
A severance deal suggests that Chelsea may need to pay Chilwell out of his contract to free up space in the squad or for his own benefit.
However, this approach is unsustainable given the club’s bloated squad, which includes several players who are surplus to requirements.
The West London club could consider selling Carney Chukwuemeka, but they reportedly value him at £40 million. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also been linked with a move away, despite only joining in the summer.
Paying severance deals for every unwanted player is unrealistic, so raising funds through player sales will be essential.
Maresca will leave these decisions to the hierarchy, as his team are currently in a rut with no wins in their last three matches.
Losses to Fulham and Ipswich have seen the side drop to fourth place, now trailing league leaders Liverpool by ten points.
While the Italian coach might feel vindicated after previously downplaying their title chances, the team urgently need to rediscover their winning formula.
Offloading players who aren’t in favour will be crucial to maintaining squad harmony. If these players remain unused or unsold, it could disrupt the team further.
In other news, Chelsea could line up a forward signing in the January transfer window.
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