When Enzo Maresca took over as Chelsea boss in the summer, he inherited a hugely bloated squad that contained a massive 42 first-team players. Much was made about how the Italian coach would manage the situation, but he did, and without fuss, trimming the fat by selling a number of players, loaning out others, and sidelining a few entirely. For those that weren't let go earlier in the year and now remain stuck at Stamford Bridge without regular football, the January transfer window could provide a good opportunity for them to move on and find a new challenge. With that being said, here are five Chelsea players who could realistically leave the club after the New Year.
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell has been a great servant for Chelsea since joining the Blues from Leicester City four years ago, making over 100 appearances for the club and playing a key role in their Champions League triumph in 2021. Due to a string of injuries and the good form of Marc Cucurella, however, he now finds himself surplus to requirements. According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United, who are in the midst of an injury crisis at left-back, are considering a move for the Englishman in January. At just 27 years old, Chilwell still has plenty of his career ahead of him, and, providing he can stay fit, would be a fantastic acquisition for the Red Devils.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Another former Fox, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall followed Maresca to Chelsea from Leicester in the summer in move worth £30 million. But while the English midfielder was the Italian's star man at King Power last year, he has struggled for Premier League minutes at Stamford Bridge, making just five cameos off the bench. He's made eight starts in the Blues' other competitions, but the 26-year-old will no doubt be wanting to play regularly in the top flight, which may only be possible if he moves on. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton & Hove Albion are among the long list of clubs understood to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Christopher Nkunku
Like Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku can't get a sniff in the Premier League this season, despite being the Blues' top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions. Maresca prefers Nicolas Jackson up-top, and with the Senegal striker enjoying a fine season of his own, there appears to be little chance that the Frenchman can break into the Italian's first-team anytime soon. Amid his lack of top flight minutes, Nkunku is said to be "unhappy," and, according to ESPN, could push for an exit in the near future. Both Manchester United and Nkunku's boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be interested in offering him a route out of Stamford Bridge, with the forward himself recently refusing to shut down rumours of a potential return to the French capital.
Cesare Casadei
Italian midfielder Cesare Casadei has started just three games in all competitions for Chelsea this season, and hasn't managed a single minute of Premier League football. Back in October, Italy Under-21s manager Carmine Nunziata urged the 21-year-old to leave West London in search of regular first-team action. "Last year Cesare had a good first part with Leicester, then he went to Chelsea and played little," Nunziata told Rai Radio 1 Sport. "This year they kept him there, I advised him to see how it goes until January, otherwise it’s right to look around for another solution." Though Casadei has insisted he's happy at Stamford Bridge, he has a number of reported suitors, including both AC Milan and Monza.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Casadei isn't the only Chelsea midfielder reported to be interesting AC Milan. According to TeamTALK, the Rossoneri are also eyeing a January move for Carney Chukwuemeka, who, like Casadei, has been on the fringes under Maresca. The 21-year-old, who cost Chelsea £20 million two years ago, has started just one match all season for the Blues, that being in a 3-1 victory over Astana in the Europa Conference League. It was reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano earlier this year that Chukwuemeka has a £40 million release clause in his contract, though it's unlikely the Blues would get anywhere near that money for him given his recent lack of playing time.
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