Crystal Palace Contact London Neighbours for Former Vice-Captain

The winter window is the last chance for one of Chelsea’s forgotten players to make something of his season. Now it appears that Crystal Palace could be the salvation for Ben Chilwell to exit the club.

Crystal Palace Contact London Neighbours for Former Vice-Captain Ben Chilwell

Crystal Palace Push for Possible Chilwell Loan

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Crystal Palace are “close to getting an agreement done” for Ben Chilwell. The 28-year-old would relocate across the capital city for the second half of the season.

The Blues bought the fullback for £50 million in the summer of 2020. He won the Champions League at the end of his first campaign with the club and featured heavily in Thomas Tuchel’s plans as part of a wing-back pairing with Reece James. The two players have had similar misfortunes since.

Chilwell signed a new contract with the club in 2023 and became vice-captain behind the Cobham graduate at the start of last season. However, he has struggled with injuries and after a brief spell as a left winger under Mauricio Pochettino, he has watched Marc Cucurella claim his usual position.

Enzo Maresca made the decisive call at the start of this season. The manager stated that he expected Chilwell to “struggle” for time on the field with his demands. Indeed, the left-back’s opportunities have dried up totally: he has played one Carabao Cup game under the stewardship of the Italian.

Chilwell to Copy Chalobah’s Path?

Chilwell would not be the first player to switch from Chelsea for Croydon in the last few months. Trevoh Chalobah infamously received orders in preseason to stay away from the rest of the squad. He subsequently chose to join the Eagles on a loan deal that should have lasted for the whole campaign.

However, Chelsea chose to recall the defender last month due to a long-term layoff to Wesley Fofana and doubts about other options in the centre of the back four. However, 28-year-old Chilwell does not have the same profile as Chalobah, who can fill in positions across a back four.

The departure of Joachim Andersen to Fulham forced the Eagles to inquire about the Cobham graduate and he seized his time at the side with both hands. On the other hand, Chilwell would be competing with Tyrick Mitchell, one of the Premier League’s best defensive fullbacks, for minutes.

But something is better than nothing and Maresca has made it clear that the left-back has no part to play in his plans. As a short-term punt, some time at Crystal Palace could be ideal for Ben Chilwell.