Enzo Maresca has indicated that Chelsea might allow two players to leave during the upcoming January transfer window. Chelsea currently possess one of the most expansive squads in the Premier League, a result of several years of significant investment. This strategy has begun to bear fruit, with Maresca leading the team to an impressive second place in the league standings, just two points adrift of Liverpool at the top.
Despite this success, the downside of such a large squad is the lack of opportunities for several players. Maresca has addressed the situation, highlighting that some players have struggled to secure regular game time and might seek exits to revive their careers.
Among the players facing uncertainty are Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, both of whom have had limited involvement this season. Chilwell has yet to feature in either the Premier League or the UEFA Conference League, with his only appearance coming during Chelsea’s EFL Cup match against Barrow in September.
Similarly, Chukwuemeka’s contributions have been minimal. The midfielder has made just one start in the Conference League and a handful of substitute appearances, including in the match against Barrow. Notably, neither player has been named in a Premier League matchday squad so far this season.
Addressing the potential departures, Maresca expressed empathy for the players’ frustrations and emphasized the importance of finding appropriate solutions. Speaking at a press conference, he acknowledged the possibility of movement in January. “There are players who haven’t had much game time in any competition, like Chilwell and Carney,” Maresca stated (via BBC Sport). “They’re probably the first to want to leave because they work hard every day and want to play. If they’re not playing, it’s natural for them to consider leaving.
“Each player’s situation is unique, so if someone comes to us and says they want to leave, we’ll try to find a solution,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s ambitions to bolster their squad remain undeterred. Reports suggest the club is eyeing a potential move for Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emi Martinez. This pursuit reflects Chelsea’s intent to further strengthen their team as they continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts.
Maresca’s comments come at a critical juncture in Chelsea’s season, as the club aims to balance squad depth with player satisfaction. With January fast approaching, the focus will shift to how Chelsea navigates potential exits and new signings to maintain their competitive edge.
