EPL Index
·22 November 2024
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·22 November 2024
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell is reportedly on the radar of Juventus as the Italian club searches for a left-back to fill gaps in their injury-hit defence. According to Tuttosport, the 27-year-old England international could secure a loan move in January after being sidelined at Stamford Bridge by manager Enzo Maresca.
It’s been a challenging season for Chilwell, who hasn’t made a single Premier League appearance under Maresca. His only game time came in a Carabao Cup clash against Barrow, a 5-0 victory that offered no indication of his future inclusion. Dubbed part of Chelsea’s “bomb squad” — players deemed surplus to requirements — Chilwell was reportedly set for a summer move that never materialised.
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Now frozen out completely, he finds himself in a precarious position. Despite being one of the club’s highest earners on a reported £200,000-a-week, Chilwell hasn’t featured in Maresca’s plans, a decision that has shocked many Chelsea supporters given his proven quality and experience.
Juventus’ interest stems from their mounting injury crisis. Both Juan Cabal and Gleison Bremer have been sidelined with long-term knee injuries, leaving coach Thiago Motta short of options at left-back. While the Serie A giants recently spent heavily on midfield reinforcements such as Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners, a low-cost loan deal for Chilwell could suit their financial limitations.
Chilwell’s potential loan move would also align with Juventus’ push for success in the Serie A title race and Champions League knockout stages. They sit just two points off league leaders Napoli but remain in a congested top six. For Chilwell, a switch to Turin could offer a lifeline to rediscover form and compete in Europe’s elite competition — an opportunity he hasn’t had since Chelsea’s decline in recent years.
Serie A has increasingly become a fertile ground for British players seeking a career revival. Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have both thrived since joining Napoli, making significant contributions under Antonio Conte. A similar trajectory could await Chilwell, should he choose to follow in their footsteps.
At just 27, Chilwell still has time to reignite his career. However, the move would depend on Juventus’ willingness to meet Chelsea’s wage demands and whether the defender is ready for the cultural shift of Italian football.
From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, this news highlights the club’s growing concerns about player management under Enzo Maresca. Chilwell, who once played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph, is now a forgotten figure.
The potential loan move to Juventus could evoke mixed feelings among fans. On one hand, they may feel relief that a quality player like Chilwell could get game time, potentially regaining the form that made him an England regular. On the other hand, seeing a former star thrive elsewhere — while Chelsea struggles for consistency in the Premier League — could fuel frustration.
Some fans may point out that Chilwell’s injury record played a role in his decline, but most would agree that being completely frozen out doesn’t align with Chelsea’s long-term strategy. A loan deal might benefit all parties, but supporters will likely keep a close eye on Juventus to see if Chilwell can succeed in an environment Chelsea has failed to provide.