- Ben Chilwell has not featured in the Premier League for Chelsea this season
- He is now being linked with a move to a major European club in January
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Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell could reportedly make a shock move to a major European club in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old was left out of Chelsea this season by new manager Enzo Maresca, making just one appearance in the Carabao Cup while being left out of the Premier League squads.
He was placed in the club’s ‘bomb squad’ this summer after being deemed surplus to requirements, but failed to make his way out of west London.
However, he may finally get a breakout route from Stamford Bridge in January as Napoli are interested in signing him The sun.
It is understood the Serie A side are keeping an eye on Chilwell, with former Blues boss Antonio Conte a ‘big fan’ of the left-back.
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell has been linked with a move to European giants Napoli in January
Chilwell has not featured in any Premier League squad under Enzo Maresca
Ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is a big fan of the defender and could bring him to Napoli
A loan move could be the most likely outcome, with the option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
A number of Premier League clubs are also keeping a close eye on Chilwell, but he may feel a move abroad is the best option to get his career back on track.
The defender joined Chelsea four years ago and won the Champions League in his first season, but injuries and loss of form have stalled his career.
He failed to make the England squad for the 2024 European Championship, with the last of his 21 caps coming back in March.
However, a move to Napoli could help him return to his best, with several former Premier League stars already starring under Conte in the opening weeks of the season.
Scottish duo Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour moved to Napoli from Manchester United and Brighton respectively at the end of the summer window and have made a promising start to their time in Italy.
Former Man United star Scott McTominay has had a strong start at Napoli
After losing their first game of the season 3-0 in Verona, Napoli have won five of their last six games in Serie A to build a two-point lead at the top of the table.
They look set for a much-improved season under Conte, after a disastrous 2023/24 season that saw them finish in 10th place and miss European football just 12 months after winning the league.
Napoli are back in action on Sunday when they travel to Empoli.