Chelsea 'face major obstacle' to offload out-of-favour star Ben Chilwell - despite £200,000-per-week outcast playing one match this season
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Chelsea are reportedly facing an uphill battle in their efforts to offload out-of-favour defender Ben Chilwell in the January transfer window. Chilwell has been frozen out at Chelsea this season by new manager Enzo Maresca, with the left back making just one appearance this season.
![[The England defender has been frozen out by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca this season]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/02/09/93667061-14243353-image-a-2_1735809264948.jpg)
The 28-year-old has played just 45 minutes of a Carabao Cup tie against Barrow so far this campaign. He was placed in the club's 'bomb squad' over the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements, but failed to get a move away from west London. Despite being included in Chelsea's Premier League squad list, Chilwell has failed to even be named on the bench for a top flight match this season.
![[Chilwell has made one appearance for Chelsea this season, against Barrow in the Carabao Cup]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/02/09/93667533-14243353-image-a-3_1735810486737.jpg)
According to the Sun, the Blues face a challenge to remove Chilwell from their wage bill in January, despite the England international's desire to secure regular game time. Ben Chilwell is reportedly not prepared to take a pay cut to leave Chelsea in January.
The England defender has been frozen out by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca this season. Chilwell is reportedly determined not to take a pay cut from his reported £200,000-a-week wages. Should the defender hold firm, the Blues may be forced into having to subside part of his wages in order to offload him either on loan or a permanent basis.
The England international still has two years left to run on his contract, after penning a contract extension back in 2023. Chilwell joined Chelsea four years ago and won the Champions League in his first season, but injuries and a loss of form has seen his career stall.
