Exclusive claims that Serie A side have Chelsea defender on their “wishlist” | OneFootball

As well as the fun of signing players, Chelsea have a major task on their hands selling players too this summer.

The Blues have got to shift a number of highly paid superstars, chiefly among them two of the club’s top earners, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.

The story was the same last summer, and we all know how it turned out. Chelsea only would listen to permanent offers for both, but didn’t get any (at least any they were interested in listening to). In the end they cracked and allowed Sterling to go on loan to Arsenal, but they couldn’t find a deal for Chilwell until January.

Chilwell finds a potential way out

Ben Chilwell applauds the fans. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

This summer, things are a little more promising. Gradually Chelsea’s demands are falling, and hopefully Chilwell’s are too.

A new rumour has popped up today which claims that Lazio are keen on signing the former Leicester man. Transfer insider Alfredo Pedulla has claimed in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside that Maurizio Sarri, who has just returned to take over the Roman club, is keen on the left back:

“The names on Maurizio Sarri’s wishlist are already known,” Pedulla wrote.

“Emerson Palmeri (who has high wages), Ben Chilwell, or Aaron Martin for the left flank. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Giovanni Fabbian in midfield. Giacomo Raspadori for the attack.”

Wages the stocking point

As always when we write about Chilwell, the elephant in the room is his wages. It’s all very well speculating about a move, but he’s likely on more money than anyone at Lazio right now, and unless he’s ready to take a huge cut, this move will go nowhere.

Chelsea could pay a chunk, and Chilwell take a hit on the total and maybe something could happen. But for now we’re certainly not getting excited.