Enzo Maresca knows that Chelsea will lose several players in January. (Image: Getty.)
have enjoyed a stunning start to life under , but not every player is happy and the boss knows that departures are on their way.
Such a bloated squad has left several stars struggling for gametime, despite regular rotation in the , and Maresca in the second half of the season.
“There are players who unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like [Ben] Chilwell, like Carney [Chukwuemeka],” Maresca said after defeating Shamrock Rovers 5-1 on Thursday.
“They are probably the first who want to leave because they work every day, they train every day. They want to play games, and if they don’t play games probably they are thinking to leave.”
That admission has put a number of clubs on alert, including some of their biggest rivals, as Express Sport takes a look at four stars who may ditch Stamford Bridge.
Ben Chilwell
Ben Chilwell has suffered a tremendous fall from grace, going from an integral part of ’s -winning side to a player well on the fringes of the squad. He has played just 45 minutes this season, a sole substitute appearance in the 5-0 win over Barrow.
But and are looking for a left-back. ’s side have used Diogo Dalot as a makeshift wing-back on the left, but Chilwell represents an opportunity to find a specialist.
has been among the critics calling for to provide Andrew Robertson with some help, Chilwell could well resurrect his career at Anfield.
Ben Chilwell is set for a Stamford Bridge exit. (Image: Getty)
Axel Disasi
Axel Disasi is firmly behind Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo in the eyes of Maresca, but may be able to find a new home at .
The Red Devils , Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans before next season and the versatile Disasi may provide a helpful squad option, with their three-at-the-back system requiring more strength in depth in that role.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka was considered one of the brightest prospects in his age group when he left for for £20million in 2022.
But he has failed to impress Maresca and made just one start this season, away to Astana in Europe.
His potential may yet be realised elsewhere, and while the 21-year-old was breaking through at Villa Park. Perhaps that interest could be reignited again in January as an opportunistic deal.
Carney Chukwuemeka in UEFA Conference League action. (Image: Getty)
Kiernan Dewsbury Hall
Maresca’s star man at , Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, followed the head coach to Stamford Bridge. But the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia remain firmly first-choice in west London.
claim that are willing to sanction a loan for the 26-year-old, and Leicester are interested in a reunion, alongside .
The two clubs have already done business recently, as was sent on loan to north London on deadline day, but he could complete midfield trident alongside and .