Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell is rumoured to be on his way to Crystal Palace on Monday’s transfer deadline day.
Ben Chilwell, 28, has been on the fringes of the Chelsea squad so far this season because he doesn’t fit into Enzo Maresca’s plans. As a result, he’s only made one first-team appearance across all competitions.
Chelsea told Chilwell that he could leave in the January window, but they’ve cut it a bit fine to secure his exit.
Fabrizio Romano reported on deadline day morning that Chilwell is set to join Crystal Palace ahead of an imminent medical. We’re now waiting for an official announcement in the closing stages of the window.
Crystal Palace fans discuss Ben Chilwell
A selection of Palace supporters on social media have reacted to Chilwell’s proposed move to Selhurst Park.
In general, Palace fans on X are quite encouraged by the expected arrival of the Chelsea left-back…
One fan wrote: “I like the Chilwell deal.” “Look, Chilwell is a good player, solid player, he’s just not what we thought we were going for young, attacking, permanent signing. It’s a good signing, just an anticlimax from what we thought,” another posted.
One supporter said: “Fans frustration with the Chilwell signing is we need a player who is fit and can rotate in for Mitchell now. That being said, I hope he is ready to go and can stay fit, because he will suit this system.”
“Personally don’t have a problem with us getting Chilwell providing he stays fit and that we go for a permanent player in the summer,” another claimed.
How will Ben Chilwell do at Crystal Palace?
It’ll be very interesting to see how Chilwell does in a new environment at Palace.
First and foremost, the Englishman may need a small amount of time to get up to full speed because of his lack of competitive action in recent months. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists Chilwell has been very professional still, though.
In terms of Oliver Glasner’s system at Palace, they mainly operate in a 3-4-2-1 formation. It’s why we think Chilwell could actually be a big success across London as their left wing-back if he finds a bit of rhythm.
The first target for Chelsea’s Chilwell would be trying to overtake Tyrick Mitchell in the pecking order for a spot in the Palace XI.
It would’ve been a travesty spending another half a season watching from the stands at Stamford Bridge, so a loan spell with the Eagles is best for all parties involved.
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