Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, offers harsh Ben Chilwell sends a message while Manchester United provides the opening

Enzo Maresca’s comments that Ben Chilwell is free to quit Chelsea in search of regular playing time—something he cannot get at Stamford Bridge—have the left-back getting closer to the exit door.

Ben Chilwell has been informed by Enzo Maresca that he can quit Chelsea.

The 27-year-old left-back was not used as a substitute in the 1-1 friendly match against Inter Milan last weekend, and he has only played 64 minutes in the preseason.

Furthermore, Maresca stated that the player is not part of his intentions, saying, “Chilly is with us right now. He was feeling a little under the weather, so he hasn’t been training the last two days.

It’s obvious with Chilly; I adore his training style and personality, but we have a little bit of a problem with him trying to figure out where he fits in best.

It’s bad for them and bad for me since I have to make decisions when I exercise every day and don’t receive minutes. Sometimes it’s preferable for certain players to go away and find another place to gain minutes. The transfer window is open, so we’ll wait and see what transpires.”

Chilwell, who was also left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships, has had a difficult summer.

Marc Cucurella, who thrived as an inverted full-back under Mauricio Pochettino last season, has taken ownership of the left-back position in west London.

Among the teams looking for a left-back are Manchester United, who are thought to be

Ben Chilwell is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, thus he is willing to let him leave Chelsea. (Image courtesy of Getty Images; Chelsea FC))

Prior to the 2024–25 season, both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were unable to demonstrate their fitness, and as a stopgap, Noussair Mazraoui was brought in as a substitute against Fulham.

Chilwell is not yet drafted into Maresca’s “bomb squad,” a group of players who are kept out of the first team picture. Despite this, Chilwell did not participate in any of Chelsea’s final three preseason matches, and the club is now accepting bids.

The Italian strategist, meanwhile, declined to comment on any connections to Joao Felix and Victor Osimhen, saying merely that “it is not correct for me to talk about a Napoli player or an Atletico Madrid player because they are not our players.” The club currently understands exactly what I believe we need.”

Chelsea and Atletico are still negotiating over a move for Felix because, should they not reach an agreement over the transfer of the Portuguese attacker, Conor Gallagher’s move in the other direction will fall through completely and they run the risk of losing him on a free agent next summer, which could have a negative impact on FFP.