Chelsea drop new £50m transfer hint as Enzo Maresca explains special plan for Jorrel Hato

Chelsea appear to be preparing to offload Ben Chilwell this summer. The 28-year-old defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, has faced an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge for a while, and he could leave for good before the transfer window slams shut.

Last year, Enzo Maresca announced that Chilwell and Raheem Sterling were not in his plans. Speaking to reporters in August 2024, the Blues boss said: "I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer a different kind of winger."

Maresca added: "We have a big squad and it is impossible to give all of them minutes, so probably it is better to leave. Brutal? I just try to be honest.

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"I spoke with Raheem before the City game and said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. Chilwell is a lovely guy, but because of his position, he is going to struggle with us."

Sterling joined Arsenal on a season-long loan on deadline day, while Chilwell failed to attract any potential suitors. Then, in December, ahead of the January transfer window, Maresca reminded clubs that the England international was available to sign.

Chilwell featured just once for Chelsea following the Italian's announcement in the summer, coming off the bench in a Carabao Cup win over Barrow in September. Maresca said: "There are players that unfortunately didn't play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney [Chukwuemeka].

"If they don't play, probably they are thinking to leave. Each player has a different situation so we'll see if anyone knocks the door and says I want to leave. We'll try to find a solution."

Midway through January, Maresca added: "Because players want to play more, so there's probably chances for them to leave. But Ben has been top. I have to say that he has been top.

"Very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good," added the Chelsea boss, who was then asked to explain why Chilwell wasn't in his plans.

"First of all, because it is my choice. And because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different kind of jobs during the game.

"I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunity in past to win titles and be in national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kind of things."

Chilwell eventually joined Crystal Palace on loan for the remainder of the campaign, making just two starts in 12 appearances. The former Leicester City defender struggled to impress at Selhurst Park, and he's yet to have found a new club since returning to Stamford Bridge.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not Chilwell will leave Chelsea this summer, but the west London outfit appear to be preparing for his exit. Jorrel Hato, who the Blues recently signed from Ajax for just £37m, has been given the number 21, taking the jersey from the Englishman.

The 19-year-old defender could make his debut in the coming days when Chelsea take on Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in friendlies at Stamford Bridge on Friday, August 8, and Sunday, August 10.

Speaking to reporters at Cobham training ground on Thursday, Maresca showered Hato with praise. The Italian said: "He’s much more mature than his age, his character and this kind of thing,

"Even with him, the message is exactly the same, different country, different league, different tempo, different intensity, so he needs to adapt. But for sure, no doubt, he’s going to help us."