Chelsea start their 2024-25 Premier League season with a home clash against London rivals Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, with hopes the Blues can become title challengers this term.
The Blues have pulled no punches in the transfer window over the summer, with Chelsea signing Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and a host of other new players.
While Enzo Maresca wants a new central defender, the Blues boss has a host of fringe players set to miss out on inclusion in the first matchday squad of the season.
Enzo Maresca during Flamengo vs Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Ben Chilwell a forgotten man at Chelsea
One of those to sit out will be Ben Chilwell, with the England international surely set to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Chelsea spent £45 million to land the England international from Leicester City in 2020 but his chances in West London have been limited of late.
Chelsea signed Jorrel Hato from Ajax earlier this summer, with the Dutch defender set to compete with Marc Cucurella for the left-back starting role this season.
The 19-year-old’s arrival means more competition and fewer opportunities for Chilwell, who has become a forgotten man at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea must offload Chilwell to balance books
Despite spending significantly over the last two months, Chelsea have sold players not in Maresca’s plans to offset the cost of their new arrivals.
Crystal Palace v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
In relation to Chilwell, the Blues will surely need to take a big loss financially, with the 28-year-old’s standing in the game falling over the last 12 months.
The left-back spent last season on loan with Crystal Palace but suitors over the summer seem few and far between.
As Chelsea line up against his former loan club on Sunday, Chilwell will be a spectator and be wondering just where he’ll be playing his football this season.